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Updated: May 23, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Goiter and laryngopharyngeal reflux
Abdul-Latif Hamdan1, Jad Jabbour, Zaid Al Zaghal
1Department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
This study found no significant difference in laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) prevalence between patients with goiter and controls. However, goiter patients reported more severe reflux symptoms, suggesting a link warranting physician attention.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland, may be associated with upper aerodigestive tract symptoms.
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is a condition where stomach acid irritates the throat and larynx.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of LPRD in patients diagnosed with goiter.
- To compare reflux symptom severity between patients with goiter and a control group.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 52 patients with goiter completed the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) questionnaire.
- LPRD diagnosis was based on an RSI score exceeding 10.
- Symptom scores were compared between the goiter group and controls; statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of LPRD (RSI > 10) was 15.4% in the goiter group versus 9.1% in controls, a difference not statistically significant (P=0.525).
- Patients with goiter reported higher average scores for most individual reflux symptoms compared to controls.
- A significant correlation was found between LPRD and the presence of thyroid nodules (P=0.035).
Conclusions:
- While overall LPRD prevalence did not significantly differ, patients with goiter experience more pronounced laryngopharyngeal symptoms.
- The findings suggest that physicians should consider LPRD in goiter patients presenting with related symptoms.
- Thyroid nodules may be associated with an increased risk of laryngopharyngeal symptoms.
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