Acid Reflux Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Acid Reflux, including details on diet, gerd (gastro-esophageal reflux disease), treatment, symptoms.

Pediatric middle ear infections and gastroesophageal reflux.

Karkos PD, Assimakopoulos D, Issing WJ

Department of Otolaryngology, The Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. pkarkos@aol.com

OBJECTIVES: The pathogenesis of middle ear infections in children is multifactorial and includes infection, anatomical factors, impaired immunologic status, allergy, familial predisposition, male sex, method of feeding and environmental factors. Glue ear remains the commonest cause of deafness in childhood. Gastroesophageal reflux (GOR) is a common problem in the newborn and preschool periods. Recent research suggests that it may be related to eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media. METHODS: We review the literature and discuss the possible relationship between Gastroesophageal reflux and otitis media in children. CONCLUSIONS: The current data are not enough to support antireflux treatment in children with refractory middle ear infections. More prospective randomised placebo-controlled studies are needed.

Published 9 November 2004 in Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 68(12): 1489-92.
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