Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is an inflammatory condition of the upper aerodigestive tract. It is caused by direct and indirect effects of gastroduodenal content reflux which induces morphological changes in the larynx and pharynx. Typical laryngeal symptoms attributed to LPRD include globus pharyngeus, dysphagia, chronic cough, throat clearing, and dysphonia. A vast majority of patients with LPRD have no classic symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with only 35 percent reporting heartburn. The ongoing controversy between gastroenterologists and otolaryngologists when diagnosing and treating LPRD supports current medical evidence that GERD and LPRD can be considered and treated as two separate entities. This chapter summarizes the current evidence for the assessment and treatment of LPRD.