Malis D. Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) 2008.

The study of 100 pediatric patients helped differentiate baseline pH and potential etiology for various upper airway symptoms believed to be caused by acid reflux. An alarming increase in the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) in Americans has led to the need for accurate diagnosis of extraesophageal acid reflux as provided by the Restech Dx–pH Measurement System. In determining the etiology of conditions such as chronic cough, recurrent laryngitis, sinusitis and asthma, it is important for physicians to be able to rule reflux in or out as a possible contributing factor. Instead of treating “in the blind” with a medication based on symptoms alone, physicians will be able to prescribe treatment based on definitive quantification of acidic reflux in the upper airway. Current diagnostic techniques available to pediatric otolaryngologists include panendoscopy with biopsy, lipid-laden macrophages score and histology, the Bravo™ capsule, an esophagram/Barium swallow, or an empiric therapeutic trial with H2 Blockers or PPIs.

Conclusion: Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) in children may be more common than previously appreciated. Preliminary experience with the Restech Dx-System is encouraging in identifying children with LPR. Additional prospective studies are warranted to develop normative data and clinical guidelines in children.