• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.56-63
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• 2021

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is an inflammatory condition of the upper aerodigestive tract mucosa induced by reflux content from stomach. Some of vocal cord diseases are associated with laryngopharyngeal reflux. Because of the pathophysiological features, proton pump inhibitor shows therapeutic effect on some vocal cord diseases. As like that, the gastric reflux contents can make macroscopic or microscopic morphological changes in the upper aerodigestive tract mucosa. Although the pathophysiology of LPRD is relatively clear, clinical diagnosis is still difficult. The diagnosis of LPRD includes objective tests such as 24-hours multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH metry and subjective tests such as questionnaire method. However, the objective verification of reflux is difficult due to invasiveness of the method, and the questionnaire methods have limitations because many symptoms are not specific for LPRD. Moreover, most methods are not fully standardized until now. Despite these limitations, many researchers are struggling to standardize diagnosis and treatment of LPRD, and there are several new achievements recently. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to review the recent literature on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of LPRD, and to systematize our knowledge.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.124-128
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• 2012

Background and Objectives : There are many diagnostic modalities to evaluate laryngopharyngeal reflux. However, ideal diagnostic methods have not been established yet. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Water-Siphon test as a diagnostic test of laryngopharyngeal reflux. Subjects and Methods : From November 2006 to September 2007, we performed esophagography with Water-Siphon test and questionnaire, physical examination for 227 patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms. The results of Water-Siphon test were classified according to the degree of reflux, the number of reflux, the retention time and analyzed about the relationship with the reflux symptom index (RSI), reflux finding score (RFS). Results : The degree of reflux was related with pseudosulcus, thick endolaryngeal mucus. The number of reflux was related with thick endolaryngeal mucus. A positive predictive value of Water-Siphon test was 82.7% and sensitivity was 91.5%. Conclusion : Water-Siphon test is a reliable diagnostic test for laryngopharyngeal reflux.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.102-107
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• 2007

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is the result of retrograde flow of gastric contents to the laryngopharynx. Laryngoscopic findings and special questionnaires are first step of diagnosis of LPRD. Empiric trials of Proton pump inhibitor' test (PPI test) is recommended as treatment and diagnosis. However confirmation of reflux is then recommended primarily in patients with persistent symptoms despite acid-suppressive therapy. The 24 hour ambulatory double pH monitoring has been a gold standard method in diagnosis of LPRD even though it has some limitation. The combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring is a new-rising test tool. It can detect acid/non-acid, liquid/gaseous reflux and clearance of refluxate. The water siphon test is also used for diagnosis of LPRD.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.97-104
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• 2010

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder caused by the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. According to the recent classification, GERD can elicit esophageal and extraesophageal syndromes. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is defined as laryngeal symptoms with laryngeal inflammation caused by the acid reflux. The prevalence of GERD and LPR is increasing during the past decades in Korea and management of GERD and LPR is a challenging issue in clinical practice. Proton pump inhibitor is the most effective drug in the treatment of GERD. Most patients with LPR are given a 2-month trial of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), however, there is still little evidence on the diagnosis or the treatment of LPR. During the last years concern have been raised regarding the risk of averse events related to long-term use of PPI. We review the recent update on medical treatment of GERD/LPR.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.73-77
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• 2016

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is different with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) possesses an intrinsic nervous plexus that allows the LES to have a considerable degree of independent neural control. Sympathetic control of the LES and stomach stems from cholinergic preganglionic neurons in the intermediolateral column of the thoracic spinal cord (T6 through T9 divisions), which impinge on postganglionic neurons in the celiac ganglion, of which the catecholaminergic neurons provide the LES and stomach with most of its sympathetic supply. Sympathetic regulation of motility primarily involves inhibitory presynaptic modulation of vagal cholinergic input to postganglionic neurons in the enteric plexus. The magnitude of sympathetic inhibition of motility is directly proportional to the level of background vagal efferent input. Recognizing that the LES is under the dual control of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, we refer the reader to other comprehensive reviews on the role of the sympathetic and parasympatetic control of LES and gastric function. The present review focuses on the functionally dominant parasympathetic control of the LES and stomach via the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.188-200
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• 2023

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) disease is a condition in which the stomach contents return to the larynx and pharynx via the esophagus, causing mucosal injury. While conventional treatments, such as proton pump inhibitors, have limitations, acupuncture has been shown to reduce LPR symptoms. However, its effectiveness has not been systematically assessed. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating LPR. We review 10 electronic databases with a consistent search strategy, and 2 independent reviewers screened the articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study selected and analyzed 7 randomized controlled trials after the screening to assess primary outcomes, including reflux symptom index and reflux finding score, and secondary outcomes, including upper and lower esophageal sphincter pressure. The results revealed the statistically significant effectiveness of acupuncture in combination with conventional treatment in reducing LPR symptoms compared with conventional treatment alone. The most commonly used acupuncture points were CV22, ST36, and LR3. However, the meta-analysis demonstrated low reliability, as assessed using the GRADE Tool. Further research is needed to improve the evidence and draw clear conclusions regarding the clinical use of acupuncture for treating LPR.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.79-83
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• 1997

The term laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) refers to the backflow of food or stomach acid back up into the larynx (the voice box) or the pharynx (the throat). Esophagopharyngeal reflux is suggested as an etiologic factor in laryngeal disease. To examine a possible esophageal basis for laryngopharyngeal symptoms, we studied 48 patients with persistent laryngopharyngeal symptoms, and 12 relative control subjects. Patients were evaluated for cervical symptoms by questionnaire and underwent gastrofiberoscopy, fiberoptic laryngoscopy, esophageal manometry and 24-hour ambulatory double-probe pH monitoring. We found LPR in fourteen out of 48 patients with cervical symptoms (29%). The LPR group consisted of nine men and five women. The symptoms that LPR patients complained were throat lump sensation, hoareness, sore throat, throat clearing, chronic coughing and dysphagia in order of frequency, and they were not different significantly from non-LPR patients. The laryngoscopic findings in LPR patients were posterior erythema, laryngeal edema and diffuse erythema, and there was also no significant difference between LPR group and non-LPR group. There was statistically significant correlation between LPR and gastroesophageal reflux (GER). We concluded that there is no pathognomonic symptoms or laryngoscopic findings in diagnosis of LPR, and 24-hour ambulatory double-probe pH monitoring is an essential diagnostic tool in LPR.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.78-83
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• 2016

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) disease is an extraoesophageal variant of gastro-esophageal reflux disease that can affect the larynx and pharynx. LPR is associated with symptoms of laryngeal irritation such as throat clearing, coughing, and hoarseness. The main diagnostic methods currently used are laryngoscopy and pH monitoring. The most common laryngoscopic signs are redness and swelling of the throat. However, these findings are not specific of LPR and may be related to other causes or can even be found in healthy individuals. Furthermore, the role of pH monitoring in the diagnosis of LPR is controversial. A therapeutic trial with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been suggested to be cost-effective and useful for the diagnosis of LPR. However, the recommendations of PPI therapy for patients with a suspicion of LPR are based on the results of uncontrolled studies, and high placebo response rates suggest a much more complex and multifactorial pathophysiology of LPR than simple acid reflux. Laryngoscopy and pH monitoring have failed as reliable tests for the diagnosis of LPR. Empirical therapy with PPIs is widely accepted as a diagnostic test and for the treatment of LPR. However, further research is needed to develop a definitive diagnostic test for LPR.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.83-90
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• 2010

The pathophysiology of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been known that it is developed when the offense-primarily the gastric acid-pepsin content of the refluxate-overcomes a 3-tiered esophageal protective defense. consisting of antireflux mechanisms, luminal clearance mechanisms, and tissue resistance. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), which is known as an extraesophageal variant of GERD, has been considered to be developed by transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR), direct mucosal injury by gastric contents, more sensitive mucosa compared to esophagus, and absence of buffering effect and aggravation of the injury due to pepsin. However, hypothesis of the pathophysiology in both entities are numerous and still lack of understanding for being a theory. There is no conflict that understanding the pathophysiology is necessary for resolving the problems of these diseases and numerous studies and results have been releasing. This review could provide clinicians dealing with GERD and LPR with applicable new information and help for overcoming the clinical obstruction.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.43-47
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• 2017

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is common in laryngologic practice. In Korea, up to 1 out of every 5 patients who visit otorhinolaryngology clinic is supposed to have LPRD with symptoms and physical findings. Major symptoms of LPRD include hoarseness, cough, reflux symptom and mild dysphagia. Even though LPRD is common, its diagnosis may be difficult, because its symptoms are nonspecific and the laryngeal findings are not always associated with symptom severity. In Recent study, 66.4% of Patient who has LPRD also associated with esophageal motility disorders. Esophageal achalasia is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by an absence of peristalsis in the body of esophagus and nonrelaxing hypertension of the lower esophageal sphincter. Common cause is loss of ganglion cells in Auerbachs plexus. The classic triad of symptoms in achalasia includes dysphagia, regurgitation and weight loss. LPRD and esophageal achalasia have similar symptoms but have different treatment of choice. The Differentiation diagnosis of theses disease is important and should be established by history, radiologic examination and endoscopic examination. We recently assessed a 59-year-old female patient who complained of an epigastric pain, dysphagia and chronic cough. LPRD was initially diagnosed on Laryngoscopic examination and Reflux Symptom Index, but patient was not relieved of any symptoms after treatment of Proton Pump Inhibitor for 3 months. After high resolution manometry, esophageal achalasia was finally diagnosed. We report this case regarding the diagnosis and treatment with review of literatures because we have to think about esophageal motility disorders as a differential diagnosis in laryngology.