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Review
. 2024 Apr 28;30(16):2209-2219.
doi: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i16.2209.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease: Updated examination of mechanisms, pathophysiology, treatment, and association with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Na Cui  1 , Ting Dai  2 , Yang Liu  1 , Ya-Yu Wang  1 , Jia-Yu Lin  1 , Qing-Fan Zheng  3 , Dong-Dong Zhu  1 , Xue-Wei Zhu  4
Affiliations
Review

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease: Updated examination of mechanisms, pathophysiology, treatment, and association with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Na Cui et al. World J Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is an inflammatory condition in the laryngopharynx and upper aerodigestive tract mucosa caused by reflux of stomach contents beyond the esophagus. LPRD commonly presents with sym-ptoms such as hoarseness, cough, sore throat, a feeling of throat obstruction, excessive throat mucus. This complex condition is thought to involve both reflux and reflex mechanisms, but a clear understanding of its molecular mechanisms is still lacking. Currently, there is no standardized diagnosis or treatment protocol. Therapeutic strategies for LPRD mainly include lifestyle modifications, proton pump inhibitors and endoscopic surgery. This paper seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing literature regarding the mechanisms, patho-physiology and treatment of LPRD. We also provide an in-depth exploration of the association between LPRD and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Keywords: Gastroesophageal reflux; Head neck surgery; Laryngitis; Laryngopharyngeal reflux; Otolaryngology.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Pathogenesis of laryngopharyngeal reflux. Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease is an inflammatory disease of the upper aerodigestive tract caused by reflux of gastroduodenal content. The stomach contents usually include gastric acid, nonacid substances, bile and pepsin. Reflux of the upper respiratory tract mainly involves the pharynx, larynx and nasal cavity.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Fibrolaryngoscopy diagnostic value for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. Fibrolaryngoscopy showed granulations of the posterior wall of the nasopharynx and edema of the retrocricoid region, epiglottis erythema, and posterior commissure hypertrophy, and laryngeal erythema.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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