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Pediatric Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Outcomes

Farrukh R Virani1, Eric H Chiou2, Elton M Lambert1

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine, 6701 Fannin Street MS:MC640, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America
|March 25, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is normal in infants, but GER disease causes symptoms. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) affects the throat and larynx, posing diagnostic challenges in children requiring multidisciplinary care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric gastroenterology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Infant health

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is the retrograde movement of gastric contents into the esophagus, a common infant process.
  • GER disease occurs when reflux leads to significant symptoms or complications.
  • Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a type of extraesophageal reflux affecting the upper airway.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate between physiological GER and GER disease in infants.
  • To understand the challenges of diagnosing LPR in pediatric populations.
  • To emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary evaluation for LPR.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on GER and LPR in pediatrics.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria and clinical presentations.
  • Discussion of treatment strategies and challenges.

Main Results:

  • GER is typically benign in infants, while GER disease is symptomatic.
  • LPR presents diagnostic difficulties in children due to overlapping symptoms.
  • Accurate diagnosis and management of LPR require a comprehensive approach.

Conclusions:

  • Distinguishing normal GER from GER disease is critical.
  • Pediatric LPR diagnosis is complex and requires careful evaluation.
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for effective LPR management in children.

Keywords:
ChildrenExtraesophageal reflux (EER)Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)Otolaryngologic manifestationsReflux

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