The role of gastroesophageal reflux disease in the middle ear pathology formation

The study of the extraesophageal reflux effect on the middle ear structures in adults is of considerable interest. The mechanism of formation of gastroesophageal reflux disease associated otitis media is closely related to such concepts as nasopharyngeal reflux and laryngopharyngeal reflux. The article presents an analysis of the medical literature focusing on the mechanisms of development of inflammation mechanisms in the middle ear cavity affected by the gastric contents. The article uses publications in such scientific databases as PubMed, eLIBRARY, Science Direct, Research Gate, dated from 1990 to 2024. A detailed understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms affecting formation of the middle ear cavity inflammation under the influence of extraesophageal reflux has been obtained. Major scientific studies confirm that gastroesophageal reflux disease acts as a risk factor for the middle ear cavity inflammation formation.