Laryngopharyngeal reflux

Abstract:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common medical condition affecting approximately 35%-40% of the adult population in the Western world. Laryngopharyngeal reflux is an extraesophageal variant of gastroesophageal reflux disease that affects the larynx and pharynx. In recent years, many otolaryngologists have acknowledged the existence and potential importance of laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with otolaryngologic complaints. The exact prevalance of laryngopharyngeal reflux is unknown. However, there is increasing evidence that gastroesophageal reflux disease may cause rhinological and laryngopharyngeal symptoms and at least 10% of all patients presenting to the otolaryngologists, have symptoms related to gastroesophageal reflux disease. Here we tried to summarize the mainlines of the larynopharyngeal reflux disease and diagnosis-treatment options up to date.