Álvarez RRD

Language: Spanish
References: 14
Page: 45-47
PDF size: 146.23 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Background: The laryngopharyngeal reflux is defined as gastroesophageal reflux that reaches structures superior to the level of the upper esophageal sphincter. It is known that the laryngopharyngeal reflux causes several manifestations including posterior laryngitis, laryngeal contact ulceration, granulomas, chronic hoarseness, pharyngitis, laryngospasm and Reinke’s edema.
Objective: To investigate the principal otolaryngologic signs and symptoms in laryngopharyngeal reflux patients.
Material: Patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux who visits the otolaryngology head and neck surgery service of the Hospital Español, Mexico.
Methods: Retrospective study. Review of the signs and symptoms of 61 patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux from August 2002 to September 2003.
Results: Mean age 60.5 years, 43 female, 18 male. The symptoms founded were: dysphonia in 49.1%, cough 47.5%, throat clearing 37.7%, sore throat 26.2%, odynophagia and dysphagia 22.9%, gastroenterological symptoms 19.6%, globus pharyngeus 14.7%, pharyngeal discomfort 6.5%, otalgia 4.9%, aural fullness 1.6%. The signs found were: erythema and edema of arytenoids 70.4%, oropharynx 59%, vestibular folds 32.7%, vocal folds 14.7%, increased laryngeal secretions 26.2%, uvular edema 6.5%.
Conclusion: Laryngopharyngeal reflux is frequently found in the otolaryngology practice, with dysphonia and interaritenoid edema being the most frequent symptom and sign, and we have to keep it in mind despite of the lack of gastroenterological symptoms in order to establish a right diagnosis and offer the adequate treatment.

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