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The Role of Reflux in Childhood Otorhinolaryngological Disorders

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology (I Bruce, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This article seeks to review the current literature on the role of laryngopharyngeal reflux in the development of various disorders of the ear, nose and throat in infants and children including otitis media, chronic rhinosinusitis and airway disorders. The aim is to guide the otolaryngology clinician in investigation and management of reflux and to identify priorities for future research in this area.

Recent Findings

Many otolaryngological disorders coexist with reflux more often than might be expected by chance, but evidence of causality is weak. Although many otolaryngologists are convinced that treatment of reflux can make a significant difference to the clinical course of many upper airway disorders, the evidence to support this is lacking. In part, this is due to inadequate tools for describing the symptoms and endoscopic signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux and the lack of a sensitive, specific and reliable objective test.

Summary

Further research demonstrating simple associations between otolaryngological diseases and reflux is unlikely to be of much value. Instead, researchers should concentrate their efforts on studies to develop and validate better means of recording symptoms and signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux and investigating the clinical utility of salivary pepsin, oropharyngeal pH monitoring and multichannel intraluminal impedance.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Royal Children’s Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia

    Haytham Kubba

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  1. Haytham Kubba
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Kubba, H. The Role of Reflux in Childhood Otorhinolaryngological Disorders. Curr Otorhinolaryngol Rep 6, 92–98 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40136-018-0179-3

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