atypical GERD
atypical GERD
An atypical presentation of GERD/GORD (gastro-esophageal/gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) that affects up to 30% of patients with classic GERD/GORD.Clinical findings
• Lungs—asthma, cough, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia.
• ENT—laryngitis, sinusitis, hoarseness, vocal nodules, globus hystericus.
• Others—noncardiac chest pain, dental erosion, hiccups.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of exclusion; history of severe chest pain (postprandial or nocturnal); endoscopic esophagitis, < 50% of patients; esophageal pH monitoring (85% sensitivity); test of therapy.
Management
Atypical GERD/GORD requires longer treatment than classic GERD/GORD and is less responsive to therapy, requiring high-dose proton pump inhibitor therapy for 12 weeks; nonresponders may need fundoplication.