Abstract
We investigated the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and otitis media with effusion (OME) in adults of unknown etiology. The percentage of patients with high pepsinogen (PG) concentrations in their middle ear effusions was significantly higher in those with GERD symptoms than in those without symptoms. Moreover, OME was present bilaterally in a higher percentage of patients with GERD symptoms. Significantly higher percentage of GER symptoms was found in patients who attended private clinics than in hospital outpatients. The PG levels decreased in some of the patients after receiving proton pump inhibitors, which also decreased the symptoms of GERD. There was a patient who had high bilirubin and biliary acid concentration in her effusions, and OME resolved in this patient after instruction about lifestyle factors related to GERD. Treatment for GERD should be considered in patients with ear complaints, especially in those who have GERD symptoms.
