Chronic sinusitis and gastroesophageal reflux: are they related?

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux has been implicated in many disorders affecting the upper airway over the past three decades. This article reviews the recent literature regarding the relationship of chronic rhinosinusitis to gastroesophageal reflux. Recent studies have demonstrated that patients with chronic rhinosinusitis have an increased prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux. In addition, many patients (especially children) have had improvement in their chronic sinonasal symptoms after therapeutic trials of antireflux therapy. It is possible that gastroesophageal reflux plays a role in some patients with chronic rhinosinusitis; thus, evaluation and treatment should be considered in this patient population.