Even though the symptoms and findings of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) have been described, the clinical diagnosis is sometimes elusive. Symptoms can occur in the absence of conclusive laryngeal physical findings, and they can be nonspecific. For example, dysphonia can be caused not only by LPR, but also by neoplasia and by geriatric, neurologic, and behavioral disorders. The clinician must realize that the diagnosis of LPR is based on a combination of factors, including symptoms, laryngeal findings, and diagnostic test results.

Gastroesophageal Reflux↗

PubMed2002

Laryngopharyngeal reflux testing.

Reflux testing is still evolving as new technology. New criteria for determination of clinical and subclinical laryngopharyngeal reflux are surfacing. The technique and interpretation of pH monitoring, the current gold standard, are still somewhat controversial. The authors' experience and opinions are presented herein.

Gastroesophageal Reflux↗

PubMed2002

Clinical manifestations of laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is ubiquitous and associated with many head and neck symptoms and diagnoses. In some cases, the symptom is the diagnosis--for example, LPR can cause sore throat, chronic cough, globus pharyngeus, and laryngospasm. Alternately, LPR can be associated with specific histopathologic lesions--for example, vocal process granulomas. LPR can be the sole cause or an etiologic cofactor in the development of many disorders of the aerodigestive tract.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed2002

Treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Proton-pump inhibitors form the cornerstone of antireflux therapy for laryngopharyngeal reflux. In this article, we provide algorithms to guide the management of minor, major, and life-threatening cases.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2002

Pediatric laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is common in children. It often affects the airway, and it has been associated with life-threatening disease. The diagnosis and treatment of LPR in children is somewhat different from that in adults.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002