©The Author(s) 2015. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Clin Cases. Feb 16, 2015; 3(2): 102-111
Published online Feb 16, 2015. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v3.i2.102
Published online Feb 16, 2015. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v3.i2.102
Upper aerodigestive tract disorders and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Andrea Ciorba, Chiara Bianchini, ENT Department, University of Ferrara and S. Anna University Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
Michele Zuolo, Carlo Vittorio Feo, Department of Surgery, University of Ferrara and S. Anna University Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
Author contributions: Ciorba A, Bianchini C and Zuolo M provided the literature search and drafted the manuscript; Feo CV wrote and revised the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Andrea Ciorba, MD, PhD, ENT Department, University of Ferrara and S. Anna University Hospital, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Ferrara, Italy. andrea.ciorba@unife.it
Telephone: +39-532-239745 Fax: +39-532-237447
Received: July 26, 2014
Peer-review started: July 27, 2014
First decision: August 28, 2014
Revised: September 20, 2014
Accepted: October 28, 2014
Article in press: October 29, 2014
Published online: February 16, 2015
Processing time: 193 Days and 23.3 Hours
Peer-review started: July 27, 2014
First decision: August 28, 2014
Revised: September 20, 2014
Accepted: October 28, 2014
Article in press: October 29, 2014
Published online: February 16, 2015
Processing time: 193 Days and 23.3 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: Despite a growing number of clinical evidences, the association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and extraoesophageal manifestations still derives from uncontrolled studies on small groups of patients. The evidences in the literature to support the proton pump inhibitor treatment of respiratory symptoms associated with GORD, in the absence of typical symptoms of reflux (heartburn and regurgitation), are scanty. A specific diagnostic tool, of respiratory symptoms associated with GORD, is missing even if oesophageal 24-h pH monitoring has been recommended. Large and prospective studies to assess the successful outcome of antireflux therapy, as well as surgical therapy, are still missing.