EXTRA ESOPHAGEAL REFLUX AND SYMPTOMS OF THE EAR, NOSE, THROAT (cont'd)
Common Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions Resulting from EER
A number of ear, nose and throat disorders commonly encountered in children and infants have been found to be associated with EER. For some disorders, the association is likely causative, that is, the acid and pepsin in reflux are directly responsible for the signs and symptoms associated with the condition. For other disorders, EER is not necessarily causative, but the presence of reflux can make the signs and symptoms much worse. In a few cases, it has been speculated that worsening of symptoms is because the condition increases the likelihood that reflux can escape the esophagus and get into the airway. In other words, rather than EER causing the condition, the condition causes EER. This section provides an overview of the signs and symptoms of laryngeal and upper airway disorders commonly encountered in pediatric practice and how EER can bring about or aggravate these disorders. The role of anti-reflux therapy in treating these conditions is also discussed.
