Reflux laryngitis: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management

• Published in: The American journal of gastroenterology Vol. 94; no. 10; pp. 2812 - 2817
• Main Authors: ORMSETH, E. J, WONG, R. K. H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Blackwell Publishing 01.10.1999
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Esophagus; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Gastroesophageal Reflux - complications; Gastroesophageal Reflux - physiopathology; Humans; Laryngitis - diagnosis; Laryngitis - etiology; Laryngitis - physiopathology; Laryngitis - therapy; Medical sciences; Non tumoral diseases; Other diseases. Semiology; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Upper respiratory tract, upper alimentary tract, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands: diseases, semeiology; Human; Gastroesophageal reflux; Respiratory disease; Esophageal disease; Digestive diseases; ENT disease; Complication; Larynx disease; Review; Bibliographic review; Laryngitis
• ISSN: 0002-9270; 1572-0241
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.1999.1421_a.x

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is felt to be associated with a variety of laryngeal conditions and symptoms of which "reflux laryngitis" is perhaps the most common. The most likely mechanism for laryngeal injury and symptoms is secondary to direct acid and pepsin contact, although studies concerning the cause and effect between gastroesophageal reflux disease and laryngeal disorders are conflicting. Likewise, the most effective method to diagnose such patients is unclear. Empiric treatment of patients with reflux laryngitis has been shown to be effective though none of the studies are controlled.