Case history
Case history
A 55-year-old obese man presents with frequent heartburn. He describes a post-prandial, retrosternal burning sensation following fatty and spicy meals. This symptom also frequently wakes him from sleep, with occasional coughing and a sour taste in his throat. He has tried many non-prescription antacids, which only relieve symptoms in the short term. He has suffered from this symptom for over 10 years. He denies dysphagia, odynophagia, or weight loss, but reports frequent hoarseness in the mornings. His past medical history is significant only for hypertension. His family history is unremarkable. He did smoke cigarettes, but stopped 5 years ago.
Other presentations
In addition to the typical symptoms related to chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, patients with Barrett's oesophagus may be completely asymptomatic, or may manifest extra-oesophageal signs and/or symptoms usually related to abnormal acid reflux in the upper respiratory tract, such as laryngopharyngeal reflux causing laryngitis, asthma-like symptoms, or even recurrent aspiration pneumonias.[5]
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer