Gastropharyngeal Reflux Disorder

Acidic foods make gastropharyngeal reflux worse.

Gastropharyngeal reflux is a disease that causes acid from the stomach to enter the esophagus and go all the way up to the larynx. Gastropharyngeal reflux is more commonly known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

Symptoms

The symptoms of gastropharyngeal reflux are vocal problems, abnormal swallowing sensations and pulmonary issues such as coughing. Other manifestations include tooth erosion and sinusitis. Often, patients with gastropharyngeal reflux report a bitter taste at the back of the throat.

Significance

Gastropharyngeal reflux causes damage to the voice box. Untreated, gastropharyngeal reflux damage can lead to laryngeal carcinoma.

Prevention/Solution

Reflux treatment includes dietary changes to avoid acidic foods, top of the bed elevation to lessen reflux at night, and addressing health issues such as body weight and smoking. Gastropharyngeal reflux also requires the use of antacids and prescription proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medications to control acid production in the stomach.

Misconceptions

Gastropharyngeal reflux is a completely different disease than gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The two diseases have different symptoms, treatments and cause damage in completely different areas.

Identification

Otolaryngologists are specialists who treat conditions of the ear, nose and throat. These doctors diagnose gastropharyngeal reflux using stroboscopy or flexible scope to examine the larynx for abnormalities.

References

• Baylor College of Medicine: Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease
• UT Health Science Center: Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease
• ENT Net: Otolaryngologist