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Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
06:46

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Published on: December 14, 2020

[Voice disturbances in young children with gastroesophageal reflux disease]

E O Viaz'menov, E Iu Radtsig, M R Bogomil'skiĭ

    Vestnik Otorinolaringologii
    |June 3, 2010
    PubMed

    Insights

    Voice disturbances in young children are often linked to laryngoesophageal reflux. Early endoscopic examination of the larynx is crucial for diagnosing this condition in children experiencing dysphonia.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Gastroenterology
    • Otolaryngology
    • Speech-Language Pathology

    Background:

    • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can manifest with atypical symptoms in infants and young children.
    • Laryngoesophageal reflux (LER) is a significant concern, potentially impacting laryngeal health and voice quality in pediatric populations.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the relationship between voice disturbances and gastroesophageal reflux disease in young children.
    • To identify the key laryngeal signs associated with LER in this age group.

    Main Methods:

    • A diagnostic algorithm incorporating direct transnasal laryngoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, and esophageal mucosal biopsy.
    • Acoustic voice analysis was performed on 26 children aged 8 months to 3 years with reported voice disturbances.
    • Detailed examination of laryngeal structures including arytenoid cartilages, interarytenoid space, and vocal cords.

    Main Results:

    • Dysphonia, laryngeal edema, hyperemia, and altered mucosal light reflexes were the primary indicators of LER.
    • These signs were observed in the arytenoid cartilages, interarytenoid space, and vocal cords.
    • Voice disturbances were identified as a prevalent symptom of LER in the studied pediatric cohort.

    Conclusions:

    • Voice disturbances are a common and significant symptom of laryngoesophageal reflux in young children.
    • Prompt endoscopic evaluation of the larynx is essential for all children presenting with dysphonia to rule out LER.
    • Early diagnosis and management of LER can potentially prevent long-term laryngeal complications.

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