In the What is LPR ? section, we dived into the definition of LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux), how it happens, and the most common symptoms found in individuals with LPR. In today’s Blox, we will discuss what the otolaryngologists already know so far.

In 2002, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) published their position statement about LPR; and they were still updating the information in 2020.

Now, you might ask – what is this organization, and why should I care?

Founded in 1896, this international organization is one of the major governing bodies overseeing medical professionals who treat conditions in our head and neck, as well as our ear, nose, and throat. And yes – they take care of our larynxes too!

On top of taking care of our health, AAO-HNS leads worldwide outreach campaigns, including Better Speech and Hearing Month, Kids ENT Month, Oral Head-Neck-and-Cancer Week, and World Voice Day. The organization strives to bring patient education, health care policy, and scientific research to us through these campaigns.

In this statement, AAO-HNS summarized what LPR is and why it should not be overlooked as the normal reflux type – gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – for the following reasons:

1. LPR is extraesophageal in terms of pathology:
   LPR is not just GERD – essentially, the gastric content backflows beyond the esophagus and into our pharynx (throat) and larynx (voicebox). Therefore, individuals with LPR are less likely to have heartburn or esophagitis (inflammation in the esophagus).

2. LPR symptoms are different from that of GERD:
   individuals with LPR often experience hoarse voice quality, sensing a lump in the throat, difficulty in swallowing, chronic coughing and/or throat clearing, and sore throat.

3. Treatment for LPR is generally longer and more aggressive than with GERD.
   While H2-blockers or proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) can treat both conditions, individuals with LPR require at least 6 months for the symptoms to subside. If little or no improvement shows, surgeries like fundoplication might be a better option.

The larynx is such a delicate structure; only several symptomatic episodes can lead to serious damages! While there are telltale signs indicating LPR, seeking advice from medical professionals (i.e., ENT, otolaryngologists, and speech-language pathologists) is always helpful in gaining insights.

Are you, or do you know, someone who is dealing with the LPR symptoms? Share this article and let us know what you think!

Citation:

Koufman JA, Aviv JE, Casiano RR, Shaw GY. Laryngopharyngeal reflux: Position statement of the Committee on Speech, Voice, and Swallowing Disorders of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 2002;127(1):32-35. DOI: 10.1067/mhn.2002.125760. Accessed Nov 2, 2021.

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Further Reading:
Position Statement: Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (Updated on Aug 11, 2020)