Pharyngeal Localization of Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux

Twelve patients presenting with pharyngeal symptoms were found to have significant gastroesophageal reflux. The esophagus in these patients was sensitive to acid with duplication of pharyngeal symptoms. No laryngeal or pharyngeal pathology could be found in these patients. It is postulated that gastroesophageal reflux and occasionally esophagopha ryngeal reflux represent one of production of symptoms in this group of patients. All of these patients improved dramatically on an antacid regimen. The importance of evaluating patients with pharyngeal symptoms for gastroesopha geal reflux is stressed.