Extraesophageal presentations of gastroesophageal reflux disease: the case for aggressive diagnosis and treatment

ABSTRACT

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has a number of extraesophageal presentations, including noncardiac chest pain, asthma, and laryngitis. Although 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring is the best test to diagnose GERD, an empiric approach to treatment, using an aggressive acid suppression regimen such as a proton-pump inhibitor, may be more cost-effective.