A more than 10-year prospective, follow-up study of esophageal and pharyngeal acid exposure, symptoms and laryngeal findings in healthy, asymptomatic volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the development of pharyngeal and esophageal acid exposure, symptoms, and laryngeal findings in previously healthy subjects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-three subjects, previously included in a normative pH monitoring study, completed symptom questionnaires, a video laryngoscopic examination, and ambulatory 24-h pharyngeal and esophageal pH monitoring after a mean follow-up of 14 years.

RESULTS: Twenty-four subjects (15 F, 9 M, mean age 57 years) completed the study. The number of subjects with pathological esophageal reflux increased from 5 (21%) at baseline to 8 (33%) at follow-up (p=0.23), whereas the proportion with pharyngeal acid exposure of at least 0.1% decreased from 42% to 13% (p=0.04). Heartburn and/or regurgitation developed in 11 of the 24 (46%) subjects and airway symptoms in 10 (42%) subjects. Laryngeal pathology was found in 9 of 23 subjects (39%). Airway symptoms were equally common among subjects with and those without laryngeal findings or with and without pharyngeal reflux.

CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal acid exposure increases over time in previously symptom-free, healthy subjects. The increase in airway symptoms or laryngeal abnormalities is not directly related to increased acid exposure.