title: Laryngopharyngeal reflux: A confounding cause of aerodigestive dysfunction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is one of the most common and important disorders of upper airway inflammation. It causes significant impairment to quality of life, and can predict serious laryngeal and oesophageal pathology, yet it remains under-diagnosed and under-treated.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This paper attempts to unravel the diagnostic dilemma of LPR and provide a practical, discriminating approach to managing this common condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Historical red flags mandating early referral for specialist review are identified, and pathophysiology, symptomatology and common signs are reviewed. In addition, a comprehensive treatment plan consisting of lifestyle modifications, counselling aids and empirical medical therapy is proposed. A strategy for tracking clinical improvement using Belfasky's validated symptom index is included to aid counselling, compliance and follow-up.
authors.forename: Kristy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fraser-Kirk
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000209:etiology; D000863:Antacids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003371:Cough / Q000209:etiology; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D006356:Heartburn / Q000209:etiology; D006685:Hoarseness / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D057045:Laryngopharyngeal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D017494:Proton Pumps / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D000863:Antacids; D017494:Proton Pumps