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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
06:46
Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
[Gastroesophageal reflux involvement in ENT disorders]
V L Drug1, D Cobzeanu, Corina Papaghiuc
1Universitatea de Medicină si Farmacie Gr.T. Popa Iaşi, Facultatea de Medicină, Institutul de Gastroenterologie si Hepatologie.
Summary
Gastroesophageal reflux can cause ear, nose, and throat symptoms, known as laryngo-pharyngeal reflux. Diagnosis involves assessing symptoms and using tests like impedance studies or a proton pump inhibitor trial.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Gastroenterology
Context:
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is increasingly recognized as a cause of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions.
- Approximately 10% of patients visiting ENT specialists may have symptoms linked to GERD, termed laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR).
Purpose:
- To highlight the connection between GERD and ENT symptoms.
- To discuss diagnostic challenges and methods for laryngo-pharyngeal reflux.
Summary:
- Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux presents with diverse ENT symptoms, making diagnosis difficult as no single laryngeal sign is pathognomonic.
- Diagnostic approaches include combining ENT and esophageal symptom evaluation, specialized tests like 24-hour pH monitoring or esophageal impedance studies, or a therapeutic trial of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Impact:
- Improved recognition of GERD's role in ENT disorders can lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
- Effective management of laryngo-pharyngeal reflux relies on standard GERD treatments, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
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