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Laryngopharyngeal reflux: current concepts and questions
Journal article

Laryngopharyngeal reflux: current concepts and questions

Reena Gupta and Robert Thayer Sataloff
Current opinion in otolaryngology & head and neck surgery, v 17(3)
01 Jun 2009
PMID: 19395970

Abstract

Life Sciences & Biomedicine Otorhinolaryngology Science & Technology
Purpose of review Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a widely recognized disorder. Yet, decades after its initial description, debate persists regarding pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. This review addresses current literature on laryngopharyngeal reflux and identifies areas of controversy and future opportunities for research. Recent findings Despite numerous research efforts, the diagnosis and treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux remain elusive and unproven. Acid-induced changes in laryngopharyngeal mucosa have been confirmed by histologic evidence. However, the implications of this for laryngeal symptoms and signs are unclear. Diagnosis remains controversial, confounded by lack of standardization and accepted, evidence-based norms. Whereas treatment is generally believed by clinicians to be effective in alleviating symptoms and signs attributed to laryngopharyngeal reflux, incontrovertible data confirming efficacy are scarce. Confounding the issues further, there are numerous studies that purport to show that various widely used treatments are not effective, although the scientific merit of virtually all of these studies has been challenged. Summary Laryngopharyngeal reflux remains a controversial diagnosis. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors persists despite weak evidence supporting or refuting their utility, and well designed studies are needed to understand diagnosis, treatment, pathyophysiology, and long-term health consequences of laryngopharyngeal reflux and its treatment.

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58 citations in Scopus

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Web of Science research areas
Otorhinolaryngology
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