Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2011 Aug;54(8):519-525. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2011.54.8.519.

Recent Trends of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease

• Lee SH
• Huh SH

• KMID: 2074179
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2011.54.8.519

Abstract

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) refers to the retrograde flow of gastric content to the laryngopharynx, where it comes in contact with tissues of the upper aerodigestive tract. In Korea, up to 1 out of every 5 patients who visit otorhinolaryngology clinic is supposed to have LPRD with symptoms and physical findings. In the absence of definite diagnostic criteria, LPRD is suspected when the history and laryngoscopy findings are suggestive of the diagnosis. A diagnosis of LPRD is usually based on response of symptoms to empirical treatment. Most patients with LPRD are treated with proton pump inhibitor with education of life style modification, but there is still little or no solid evidence on the treatment as well as the diagnosis. Failure to respond to a usual treatment suggests the need for confirmatory studies and consideration of alternative diagnoses. LPRD appears to be a common but controversial disorder, with conflicting data on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Whereas trends are observed and many clinical practices are accepted widely on the basis of experience, we need definitive, prospective, evidence-based studies. In this article, we will review current concept of diagnosis and treatment of LPRD.

Keyword

Gastroesophageal reflux; Laryngopharyngeal reflux; Empiric treatment; Proton pump inhibitors

MeSH Terms

Gastroesophageal Reflux
Humans
Hypopharynx
Korea
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
Laryngoscopy
Life Style
Otolaryngology
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton Pumps
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton Pumps