What is the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux and reflux oesophagitis?
The association between gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngeal disorders has been recognised since the late 1960s. Chronic laryngeal signs and symptoms associated GERD are often referred to as reflux laryngitis or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). However, the cause-and-effect relationship between GERD and LPR still remains elusive. A research article published on 28 July 2008 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology addresses this question. The research team led by Dr Yung-Chih Lai at Cathay General Hospital conducted the study to assess the prevalence rate of LPR in patients with reflux oesophagitis and to disclose the factors contributing to the development of LPR. A total of 167 patients proved to have reflux oesophagitis by endoscopy were enrolled. They would receive laryngoscopy to grade the reflux findings for the diagnosis of LPR. A validated questionnaire was used to identify the presence of laryngopharyngeal symptoms. A stringent criteria of inclusion was adopted
