Extraesophageal gastroesophageal reflux disease. Presentations and approach to treatment.

Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in the adult US population, but likely is underestimated as many patients present with symptoms other than heartburn or regurgitation. Ears, nose, throat, pulmonary, and cardiac symptoms also frequently are related to GERD. The diagnosis of GERD as a cause of these symptoms can be difficult and treatment strategies are much less clear than in patients presenting with heartburn or regurgitation. This article discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of some of the manifestations of extraesophageal reflux disease.