gms | German Medical Science

Laryngophaygeal reflux (LPR) is a new clinical entity wich is shown in the literature only in the past 20 years. Results of recent studies show a link of that entity with many diseases of the upper respiratory tract. One part of inflammatory diseases such as chronic laryngitis and pharyngitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, secretory otitis and any complications are related to LPR infection. A large number of asthma has proven LPR, and that is very common in patients with tumors of the larynx and pharynx. According to the severity of the clinical signs of LPR divided into mild, severe and life-threatening. Typical changes are caused by the reflux of the larynx, as edema and erythema back commissure-posterior laryngitis. In severe forms of LPR compromised quality of life, and to disturb them in their everyday professional and private life. LPR is life-threatening in patients with airway obstruction, caused by stenosis, laryngospasm, asthma or cancer. Leading manifest symptoms at LPR are hoarseness, chronic throat clearing, globus faringeus and dysphagia. Diagnostic evaluation includes a history, indirect laryngoscopy, rigid and flexible endoscopy and stroboscopy. Assessment of the quality of life of patients and voice are also very important. Therapy: proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is the drug of choice, and even superior to H2-receptor antagonists. Behavioral changes are also crucial for the results of therapy. Proper and timely diagnosis of LPR might alter therapeutic approaches and treatment of inflammatory airway diseases, and even change the preventive and therapeutic approach to carcinoma of the larynx and pharynx.

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