Reflux laryngitis facts
Why does reflux laryngitis occur?
Reflux is caused by weakness in the muscle at the junction of the esophagus with the stomach. Normally, this muscular valve, or sphincter, functions to keep food and stomach acid from moving upward from the stomach to the esophagus and larynx. This valve opens to allow food into the stomach and closes to keep the stomach's contents from coming back up. The backward movement of stomach contents (gastric contents) up into the esophagus is called gastroesophageal reflux.
Additionally, any increase in abdominal pressure (such as obesity or tight clothing), which can push acid back from the stomach up the esophagus, or a patient with a hiatal hernia, will have an increased risk for reflux. When it causes symptoms, it is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD). When the acid backs up into the voice box (larynx), the condition is referred to as reflux laryngitis.
Stomach acid can cause irritation of the lining of the esophagus, larynx, and throat. This can lead to:
Rarely, reflux can lead to cancers of the esophagus or larynx.
What are the typical symptoms of reflux laryngitis?
Heartburn is the most common symptom associated with reflux. The American College of Gastroenterology estimates that more than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month and some studies suggest that more than 15 million people experience heartburn symptoms each day. The incidence of GERD is on the rise, and the rise in obesity is believed to be a contributing factor. In addition to heartburn, reflux severe enough to cause laryngitis can cause chronic hoarseness, asthma, or a foreign body sensation in the throat (globus phenomenon).
How is reflux laryngitis evaluated?
In most patients, the presumptive diagnosis of reflux laryngitis is based on the typical history of heartburn and hoarseness. Testing usually is reserved for those patients who do not respond to conservative therapy (as explained below) or drug therapy. Diagnostic tests includes an:
What are home remedies, OTC medications, and lifestyle changes (diet) that can help reflux?
The treatment of reflux laryngitis is the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux.
What types of medications are used to treat reflux?
There are several different types of medications available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. The acid-blocking drugs (famotidine [Pepcid], cimetidine [Tagamet], nizatidine [Axid], ranitidine [Zantac]) are known as H2-blockers. These are available without a prescription. However, their strength may be inadequate.
Learn more about: Pepcid | Tagamet | Axid | Zantac
Other valuable medications include: metoclopramide (Reglan), which helps to empty the stomach; or the proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid).
Learn more about: Reglan | Prilosec | Prevacid
If conservative therapy and medical therapy fail, surgery may be necessary. Traditionally, the fundoplication procedure, which serves to strengthen or recreate the muscular valve (lower esophageal sphincter), requires significant surgical work and hospital stay. Recently, surgery also has been able to perform endoscopic fundoplication, shortening both hospital stay and recovery. However, this is still investigational and not considered the standard of care.
What are the typical symptoms of reflux laryngitis?
Heartburn is the most common symptom associated with reflux. The American College of Gastroenterology estimates that more than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month and some studies suggest that more than 15 million people experience heartburn symptoms each day. The incidence of GERD is on the rise, and the rise in obesity is believed to be a contributing factor. In addition to heartburn, reflux severe enough to cause laryngitis can cause chronic hoarseness, asthma, or a foreign body sensation in the throat (globus phenomenon).
How is reflux laryngitis evaluated?
In most patients, the presumptive diagnosis of reflux laryngitis is based on the typical history of heartburn and hoarseness. Testing usually is reserved for those patients who do not respond to conservative therapy (as explained below) or drug therapy. Diagnostic tests includes an:
What are home remedies, OTC medications, and lifestyle changes (diet) that can help reflux?
The treatment of reflux laryngitis is the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux.
What types of medications are used to treat reflux?
There are several different types of medications available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. The acid-blocking drugs (famotidine [Pepcid], cimetidine [Tagamet], nizatidine [Axid], ranitidine [Zantac]) are known as H2-blockers. These are available without a prescription. However, their strength may be inadequate.
Learn more about: Pepcid | Tagamet | Axid | Zantac
Other valuable medications include: metoclopramide (Reglan), which helps to empty the stomach; or the proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid).
Learn more about: Reglan | Prilosec | Prevacid
If conservative therapy and medical therapy fail, surgery may be necessary. Traditionally, the fundoplication procedure, which serves to strengthen or recreate the muscular valve (lower esophageal sphincter), requires significant surgical work and hospital stay. Recently, surgery also has been able to perform endoscopic fundoplication, shortening both hospital stay and recovery. However, this is still investigational and not considered the standard of care.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
Learn more about: Pepcid | Tagamet | Axid | Zantac
Other valuable medications include: metoclopramide (Reglan), which helps to empty the stomach; or the proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid).
Learn more about: Reglan | Prilosec | Prevacid
If conservative therapy and medical therapy fail, surgery may be necessary. Traditionally, the fundoplication procedure, which serves to strengthen or recreate the muscular valve (lower esophageal sphincter), requires significant surgical work and hospital stay. Recently, surgery also has been able to perform endoscopic fundoplication, shortening both hospital stay and recovery. However, this is still investigational and not considered the standard of care.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
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