Extraesophageal complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

With the widespread availability of ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring, there has been recently renewed interest in the so-called 'extraesophageal' complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). There are two proposed mechanisms by which reflux can cause extraesophageal symptoms or disease: refluxed acid may reach the oropharynx and/or respiratory tract and cause direct irritation; or acid contact with the esophageal mucosa may trigger neural reflexes, which, in turn, produce symptoms. Evidence is most compelling for an association between GERD and unexplained dental erosions, posterior laryngitis, chronic unexplained cough and intrinsic asthma. The clinician should be aware of these associations, and patients with these conditions should be questioned carefully about associated GERD symptoms. When GERD and any of these conditions coexist, intensive medical antireflux therapy is indicated. Twenty-four hour pH monitoring may be required in selected patients to document the relationship between reflux and the extraesophageal complication or to ensure that the medical therapy provided has eliminated acid reflux.