ABSTRACT
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a controversial subject. The ubiquitous use of the term LPR may imply that the condition is well defined. However, given the evidence, LPR may be better considered as a group of chronic upper respiratory symptoms for which reflux of gastric contents has been popularised as a cause. Treating LPR with gastric acid suppression has been in vogue for over a decade, on the basis that recurring symptoms are atypical manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Extra-oesophageal Reflux — Separating Myth and Evidence, in Edinburgh in 2011. The basis for a ‘diagnosis’ of LPR relies upon symptoms, signs or objective demonstration of reflux. Ambulatory oesophageal pH monitoring is seen as the standard investigation for documenting GORD. Dual probe 24-hour pH manometry allows analysis of acid reflux events at just above the lower and upper oesophageal sphincters.
