Laryngopharyngeal reflux

Laryngopharyngeal reflux occurs when the sphincter, a ring of muscle that helps keep the acidic contents of the stomach out of the throat, does not work properly. Symptoms may include:

• Bitter taste in the back of the throat, more commonly in the morning upon awakening
• Feeling that something is stuck in your throat
• Hoarseness
• Throat pain
• Burning sensation in the throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chronic cough

Causes of laryngopharyngeal reflux

Laryngopharyngeal reflux can be caused by:

• Malfunctioning or abnormal lower and/or upper esophageal sphincter muscle
• Hiatal hernias
• Abnormal esophageal contractions
• Slow emptying of the stomach

Other factors may include diet choices including chocolate, citrus, fatty foods, and spices, overeating, alcohol and tobacco abuse and sometimes pregnancy. People with laryngopharyngeal reflux frequently do not have the typical symptoms associated with heartburn (burning pain in the chest after meals).

Evaluation and Treatment

1. Your doctor will ask for a complete medical history and will perform a thorough physical examination. Different diagnostic studies may be ordered, including imaging studies, lab tests and detailed physical examinations. These may include:
   • Inserting an endoscope through the nose or mouth to examine the vocal cords
   • Examination of the vocal cords with a strobe light.
2. Your doctor will most likely prescribe a medication to decrease acid production in the stomach such as Nexium^TM, Protonix^TM, or Prevacaid^TM.
3. You doctor will also suggest certain dietary and lifestyle changes that will help in reducing the symptoms of reflux.