Otalgia in infants and children--a manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux.

To investigate if there is a relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and ear pain in the pediatric age group, a series of children presenting with this picture were analyzed. Infants and children are often seen in an emergency room setting because of fretfulness, irritability, and pulling on the ears. A diagnosis of otitis media is usually made, but in some cases the diagnosis may be referred otalgia secondary to gastroesophageal reflux. Six children who presented with the above picture were seen by one of the authors (W.S.G.) the following morning and noted to have a normal ear exam. These children were studied for gastroesophageal reflux by esophageal pH monitoring and in some cases esophagoscopy with biopsy. All children exhibited gastroesophageal reflux and an anti-reflux regimen eliminated the pattern of 'recurring otitis media'. This paper will review the mechanism of referred otalgia along with data supporting the concept of GE reflux as a cause of otalgia in infants and children.