Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
摘要
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues of the upper aerodigestive tract due to the reflux of gastric or duodenal contents, leading to morphological changes. This condition is relatively common, affecting about 8–20% of the general population. LPR significantly impacts patient’s quality of life, presenting with recurrent symptoms such as the sensation of a foreign body in the throat, throat clearing, hoarseness, and excessive throat mucus. Assessment includes the use of specific clinical scores and clinical examination. LPR clinical signs, such as posterior commissure hypertrophy, interarytenoid/laryngeal erythema, and thick adhesive laryngeal mucus, are relatively nonspecific and can be seen in other disorders. Diagnosis is not standardized and may be based on objective examinations, empirical treatment, and biochemical tests. Differential diagnoses include esophageal and gastric pathologies and upper airway pathologies, among others. Treatment involves lifestyle and dietary modifications, anti-reflux medications according to individual patient characteristics, and surgery in some resistant cases.