Investigation of diagnostic methods and criteria for gastroesophageal reflux-related cough

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux-related cough is a multidisciplinary disease that cannot be diagnosed solely based on typical reflux-related symptoms. Its current diagnostic methods and criteria are largely derived from those used for gastroesophageal reflux disease, with slight differences. Esophageal reflux monitoring can provide objective evidence for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux-related cough and is therefore the first-choice of laboratory tests recommended by the guidelines for cough management. Acid exposure time and syndrome association probability have been accepted as the diagnostic criteria, while esophageal motility assessment also has some certain auxiliary diagnostic value. Based on the existing evidence, we have reviewed how to improve the diagnostic methods and criteria for gastroesophageal reflux-related cough, as well as the issues that need to be addressed in the future.