Laryngopharyngeal Reflux : Larynx on Fire

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) is a commonly occurring and recently described clinical entity due to the retrograde flow of gastric contents into the pharynx. It accounts for many symptoms of upper airway including hoarseness, chronic throat irritation and globus sensation. The sensitive laryngeal mucosa is prone to damage by the combination of acid and pepsin. The inflammatory changes that follow are presumed to cause the symptoms and predispose the individual to laryngeal disorders. Diagnosis can usually be made clinically based on symptoms and laryngeal signs but a 24 hour pH metry is essential to establish diagnosis. Treatment centres on lifestyle modifications, vocal hygiene measures and long term use of proton pump inhibitors. Recent research in this field may lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and change the way LPR is managed.