ABSTRACT
I. Introduction 364
II. Classification 364
III. Physiopathology of GERD 364
IV. Mechanisms of GER-Induced Respiratory Disease 366
V. Epidemiology and Natural History of GERD 367
VI. Clinical Manifestations of GER 367
VII. Diagnostic Methods 370
VIII. Medical Treatment 375
IX. Surgical Treatment 379
References 380
Respiratory manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have
been more and more often recognized. Lower airway disorders called aspiration
pneumopathy are well known to physicians and surgeons, but upper airways
reflux-induced diseases have only recently caught the attention of specialists
and researchers. It was probably due to the great difficulty in treating recurrent
and refractory otolaryngologic diseases, cases where GERD is not an uncommon
etiology. The aim of this chapter is to review the main concepts related to
gastroesophageal reflux (GER), revising the clinical manifestations and injury
mechanisms to the upper airways, besides discussing the diagnostic methods
and medical and surgical therapies.
