EXTRAESOPHAGEAL MANIFESTATIONS OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE IN CHILDREN
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by esophageal and extraesophageal manifestations, which are caused by retrograde casting of gastric or gastrointestinal contents above the esophageal sphincter. As a result of reflux, there is a detrimental effect of hydrochloric acid and proteolytic enzymes on the mucous membrane of the esophagus, upper respiratory tract, middle ear cavities, nasal cavity, larynx and pharynx and other anatomical areas. The number of patients with pathological gastroesophageal reflux is growing every year. Of great interest among clinicians are extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux in children due to the complex diagnosis and interpretation of the results. The effect of reflux on the upper respiratory tract, including chronic cough, asthma, shortness of breath, laryngospasm and pharyngeal discomfort, has a strong impact on the quality of life of patients with GERD. The article presents modern views on the course of gastroesophageal reflux disease in childhood, discusses various pathogenetic mechanisms of formation of extraesophageal symptoms. 24-hour pH monitoring with double, triple probes is the method of choice for the diagnosis of otolaryngological manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux and allows further study of possible comorbid conditions. The article presents a review of scientific literature on the etiology and possible diagnosis of extraesophageal manifestations of GERD in children.