Laryngopharyngeal Symptoms and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms is greater than expect. A prospective study was performed to investigate the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms. Laryngologic evaluation with nasopharyngeal and laryngeal endoscopy and gastroenterologic evaluation with esophagogastroduodenoscopy including measurement of pH value were performed in 46 patients. Therapeutic intervention included general antireflux precautions and antireflux medication, and eradication of Helicobacter pylori in selected cases. Posterior laryngitis was present in 33 patients. GERD was present in 25 patients, hiatus hernia in 4 patients, H pylori-positive gastritis in 11 patients, and Barrett's metaplasia in 2 patients. Increasing evidence shows that GERD may cause laryngopharyngeal symptoms. Otherwise laryngopharyngeal symptoms can be predictors of GERD. Medical antireflux treatment is also effective for laryngopharyngeal symptoms.