The most common symptom of LaryngoPharyngealReflux (LPR) is laryngitis. Hoarseness is found in almost 70% of cases. Close to half of patients complain of feeling "a lump in the throat" that makes it difficult for them to swallow, which they often mistake as a ‘thyroid problem’, and about 51% have a chronic or recurrent cough, unrelieved by cough preparations. Chronic throat clearing of "phlegm", and sore throat are also common symptoms. Reflux laryngitis is characterized by hoarseness, voice fatigue, and breaking of the voice, especially towards the end of the day. This is commonly experienced by teachers and speakers/lecturers. Reflux has also been associated with vocal cord polyps, vocal cord granulomas, laryngospasm, and paradoxical vocal fold movement. These disorders may sometimes necessitate surgery already. In worse cases, LPR may lead to laryngeal cancer and a condition called subglottic stenosis, which is a narrowing of the air passage, making it hard to breath.
LPR may also be overlooked as a factor that exacerbates asthma. Research has shown that when stomach acid is successfully suppressed, 73% of patients with asthma have improvements in asthma symptoms and pulmonary function. Patients with LPR may also complain of postnasal drip. This symptom may come from the mucosal irritation associated with LPR and not from sinus disease or allergy. This sometimes complicate the diagnosis of LPR and delay appropriate treatment
Videoendoscopy is a good diagnostic tool for LPR but a properly done indirect laryngoscopy by your doctor may suffice.
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