Spectrum of supraesophageal complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

There is a growing body of clinical and research evidence to support the role of gastroesophageal reflux in the etiology of certain disorders occurring in structures located above the body of the esophagus. These supraesophageal complications have only recently been identified but substantiation of the role of gastroesophageal reflux has been difficult and sometimes impossible with the technology currently available. This introductory article to the clinical issues involved in supraesophageal complications of GERD presents several index cases and asks far more questions than it gives answers about these patients. Clinical evidence supporting the role of GERD is discussed and the results of therapy reviewed. Education of the practicing physician to the role of supraesophageal complications of GERD is urged to help recognize the likelihood of such clinical conditions. There is a real need for additional clinical use and evaluation of multi site intraesophageal and pharyngeal pH probes in patients with suspected supraesophageal complications of GERD. More importantly, development of new techniques for measuring micro reflux events and sophisticated methods for determining the duration of acid exposure in tissues above the esophagus is essential. Finally, more prospective controlled outcome studies of patients with supraesophageal complications of GERD are needed utilizing specific treatment algorithms.