Extraesophageal symptoms of GERD.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be the primary cause of, or an aggravating contributor to, a wide variety of conditions affecting extraesophageal structures. As a result, GERD can lead to a number of pulmonary symptoms and diseases, otolaryngologic findings and symptoms, and other extraesophageal manifestations, including dental erosions. Clinicians must be aware of the possibility of these extraesophageal reflux-related conditions, even in the absence of classic esophageal symptoms of GERD. While antireflux therapy is often helpful, response to treatment is less predictable than it is for typical GERD.