Laryngopharyngeal Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Laryngopharyngeal gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the esophageal sphincter allows stomache acid to back up into the throat. Vomiting is not associated with the condition.

Description

Laryngopharyngeal gastroesophegeal reflux arises when the lower esophageal sphincter - a band of muscle at the entrance to the stomach - weakens and fails to do its job of keeping acid from backing up into the esophagus.

Diagnoses

Laryngopharyngeal gastroesophegeal reflux can be diagnosed using a laryngoscopy to detect changes in the throat and voice box. A 24-hour pH test is also conducted to detect stomach acid in the upper esophagus or throat. Doctors also use an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy if a patient complains of difficulty swallowing. This procedure can help identify scar tissue or abnormal growths in the esophagus.

Symptoms

Symptoms of laryngopharyngeal gastroesophegeal reflux include a dry cough; chronic throat clearing and the feeling that something's stuck in the throat; heartburn; hoarseness and voice loss. Another major symptom is postnasal drip, which is often misdiagnosed.

Lifestyle Changes

Laryngopharyngeal gastroesophegeal reflux symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes. Patients are usually told to elevate the head of the bed four to six inches to make it harder for the acid to travel up their esophagus; avoid alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, greasy or fatty foods, and overeating; not eat or drink anything two to three hours before going to bed; and lose weight.

Medical Solutions

In addition to antacids, patients are often give anti-secretory medications that decrease stomach acid production. Sometimes a surgical procedure known as the Nissen Fundoplication can be useful. This surgery tightens the intersection between the stomach and esophagus by wrapping the top part of the stomach around the junction between the stomach and esophagus and sewing it in place.