Correlation between symptoms and laryngeal signs in laryngopharyngeal reflux

Objective/Hypothesis: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is diagnosed by the presence of laryngeal signs and symptoms. Some studies have noted that signs and symptoms may be nonspecific and may have poor correlation. However, many such studies were either observational or had short‐term follow‐up. Therefore, we conducted subgroup analysis of a prospective concurrent controlled study with a 1 year follow‐up to study the correlation between signs and symptoms. Study Design: Prospective study. Methods: Seventy‐two patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease related laryngeal symptoms/signs received a 4 month trial of aggressive acid‐suppressive therapy. Four month symptomatic nonresponders (<50% improvement) with continued laryngeal inflammation and normalized esophageal acid exposure were then offered laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The primary outcome was laryngeal symptom‐sign correlation at 1 year postsurgery. Results: Twenty‐five of 72 (35%) patients remained unresponsive after 4 months of aggressive acid suppressive therapy. Ten (40%) patients agreed to undergo surgical fundoplication (mean age = 50, male = 4). The most common laryngeal symptoms were sore throat (40%), hoarseness (30%), and cough (20%), whereas the most common signs were medial arytenoid wall erythema/edema (60%), interarytenoid erythema (50%), and arytenoid complex erythema/edema (50%). At 1 year postfundoplication, laryngeal symptoms improved in only 1 of 10 (10%) patient, whereas signs improved in 8 of 10 (80%) patients. Conclusions: There appears to be poor correlation between signs and symptoms of LPR, particularly when monitoring therapeutic outcomes. In patients unresponsive to twice‐daily proton‐pump inhibitor therapy for 4 months, further aggressive therapy is unlikely to bring additional symptomatic benefit.     

Treatment of chronic posterior laryngitis with esomeprazole

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of acid-suppressive therapy with the proton pump inhibitor esomeprazole on the signs and symptoms of chronic posterior laryngitis (CPL) in patients with suspected reflux laryngitis. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, randomized, parallel-group trial that compared twice-daily esomeprazole 40 mg with placebo for 16 weeks. METHODS: Eligible patients had a history of one or more CPL symptoms (throat clearing, cough, globus, sore throat, or hoarseness) and laryngoscopic signs indicating reflux laryngitis based on CPL index (CPLI) scores measured during a screening laryngoscopy. Patients were randomized to treatment if their 7-day screening diary-card recordings showed a cumulative primary symptom score of 9 or higher and they had 3 or more days with moderately severe symptoms based on a 7-point scale. Efficacy was assessed by changes in symptoms as recorded by patients and investigators and by changes in CPLI scores based on laryngoscopic examinations. RESULTS: The patients' primary CPL symptom at final visit (primary efficacy end point) was resolved in 14.7% (14/95) and 16.0% (8/50) of patients in the esomeprazole and placebo groups, respectively (P=.799). Esomeprazole and placebo were not significantly different for change from baseline to the final visit in mean total CPLI (-1.66+/-2.13 vs. -2.0+/-2.55, respectively; P=.446) or any other secondary efficacy end points based on patient diary card or investigator assessments. CONCLUSION: This study provides no evidence of a therapeutic benefit of treatment with esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily for 16 weeks compared with placebo for signs and symptoms associated with CPL.     

Laryngopharyngeal reflux: prospective cohort study evaluating optimal dose of proton-pump inhibitor therapy and pretherapy predictors of response

PURPOSE: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is frequently treated with empiric proton-pump inhibitors (PPI), but the optimal dosing and duration is unknown. We performed an open label prospective cohort study to evaluate whether twice-daily (BID) PPI is more effective than once-daily (QD) PPI for the treatment of LPR. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with LPR based on ear, nose, and throat (ENT) symptoms and laryngoscopy findings were enrolled. Questionnaire assessed demographics, ENT symptoms, symptom severity, and exposure to other potential laryngeal irritants. Esophageal manometry, ambulatory 24-hour pH monitoring, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were performed before initiation of therapy. Patients were consecutively assigned to three groups: BID PPI (lansoprazole 30 mg BID), BID PPI + H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA; omeprazole 20 mg BID + ranitidine 300 mg each night), or QD PPI (esomeprazole 40 mg QD). Greater than 50% primary symptom improvement from baseline defined symptom response. At 2 month follow-up, the same PPI dose was continued for responders, and PPIs were doubled for nonresponders for an additional 2 months. Repeat symptom assessment and laryngoscopy performed at 4 month follow-up. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients were enrolled (median age 49 years, interquartile range 44.0 - 65.0; 76% white; 34% male). Treatment groups were BID PPI for 30 patients, BID PPI + H2RA for 30 patients, and QD PPI for 25 patients. RESPONSE TO THERAPY: At 2 months, BID response occurred among 15 of 30 (50%) patients, BID + H2RA for 15 of 30 (50%), and QD for 7 of 25 (28%) (P = .03). No statistical difference found between the two BID PPI groups with and without H2RA. Among the QD group nonresponders, 7 of 13 (54%) achieved symptom response with additional 2 months of BID dosing. At 4 month follow-up, an additional 22% of responses were obtained from the two BID groups (43/60, 72%). The overall response rate for all three groups was 70% (54/77). PREDICTORS OF OUTCOME: Pretherapy interarytenoid mucosa and true vocal folds abnormalities were associated with twofold increase in symptom response (odds ratio 1.99 and 1.96, respectively, P = .017). CONCLUSION: BID PPI appears to be more effective than QD PPI in achieving clinical symptom response in suspected LPR. More response was achieved at 4 months compared with 2 months. Therefore, aggressive acid suppression with BID PPI for at least 4 months is warranted for treatment of LPR.     

Globus sensation caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease

Objectives: This study was designed to examine whether or not gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is implicated in globus sensation. Methods: The subjects were 25 patients (16 men/9 women; mean age: 51, range 25–69 years) complaining of globus sensation with one or more of four laryngeal findings suspected of having GERD, such as pooling of saliva, erythema of posterior one-third of larynx, inter-arytenoids edema, and granuloma. All 25 patients were administrated a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for a period of 8 weeks. All were given esophageal endoscopies, laryngoscopes, and questionnaire before and after PPI dosing. The questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate changes in globus sensation and three symptoms specific to GERD including heartburn, regurgitation, and belching. Subjective symptoms were totalled by the over all scores of the three subjective symptoms which served as an index of severity of GERD. Results: Fifty-two percent (13/25) of patients had reflux esophagitis. The esophagitis were improved after PPI administration except one case. The incidences of GERD symptoms were high (heart burn 68% (17/25), belching 49% (10/25) and regurgitation 76% (19/25)), and most of these symptoms ameliorated by PPI administration. The laryngeal findings were improved in all patients. Subjective symptoms were improved in 68% (17/25) of globus patients. The improvement rate of total score (before PPI dosing/after PPI dosing) was compared between the two groups: one with improved globus sensation (17 patients) and the other without (8 patients). The improvement rate was significantly higher in the group with improved globus sensation (P<0.05). This means that globus sensation improved because of the improvement in GERD. Conclusion: GERD is therefore concluded to be an inducing factor of globus sensation.     

Laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms improve before changes in physical findings

BACKGROUND: Patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) undergoing treatment appear to have improvement in symptoms before the complete resolution of the laryngeal findings. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether patients with LPR experience an improvement in symptoms before the complete resolution of the laryngeal findings. METHODOLOGY: Forty consecutive patients with LPR documented by double-probe pH monitoring were evaluated prospectively. Symptom response to therapy with proton pump inhibitors was assessed at 2, 4, and 6 months of treatment with a self-administered reflux symptom index (RSI). In addition, transnasal fiberoptic laryngoscopy (TFL) was performed and a reflux finding score (RFS) was determined for each patient at each visit. RESULTS: The mean RSI at entry was 19.3 (+/- 8.9 standard deviation) and it improved to 13.9 (+/- 8.8) at 2 months of treatment (P <.05). No further significant improvement was noted at 4 months (13.1 +/- 9.8) or 6 months (12.2 +/- 8.1) of treatment. The RFS at entry was 11.5 (+/- 5.2), and it improved to 9.4 (+/- 4.7) at 2 months, 7.3 (+/- 5.5) at 4 months, and 6.1 (+/- 5.2) after 6 months of treatment (P <.05 with trend). CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of LPR improve over 2 months of therapy. No significant improvement in symptoms occurs after 2 months. This preliminary report demonstrates that the physical findings of LPR resolve more slowly than the symptoms and this continues throughout at least 6 months of treatment. These data imply that the physical findings of LPR are not always associated with patient symptoms, and that treatment should continue for a minimum of 6 months or until complete resolution of the physical findings.     

Effect of Aggressive Therapy on Laryngeal Symptoms and Voice Characteristics in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is associated with a variety of laryngopharyngeal signs and symptoms. Injury of the laryngopharynx as a result of GER can be refractory to conventional antireflux therapy. This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal signs and symptoms in patients with documented GER and to assess the response to a high-dose combination antireflux therapy consisting of cisapride and pantoprazole. Twenty-two patients with symptoms of GER were enrolled. After baseline evaluation using a history questionnaire for symptoms, laryngeal endoscopy and vocal acoustic analysis, patients were started on treatment consisting of pantoprazole 40 mg b.d. and cisapride 20 mg twice daily. Repeat history and otolaryngologic evaluation was performed at 4 weeks. Laryngopharyngeal symptoms were frequent in most patients, with throat clearing and globus being the most prevalent symptoms followed by vocal fatigue and excess mucus production. Almost 90% of the patients had abnormal endoscopic laryngeal findings but the acoustic parameters did not show any abnormal results except for mild elevation in the shimmer. After treatment, all symptoms and endoscopic abnormalities improved significantly except for intermittent dysphonia and laryngeal mucosal redness. Acoustic abnormalities did not change significantly following therapy. Laryngeal symptoms and voice abnormalities are highly prevalent in patients with GER. Combination antireflux therapy with a proton pump inhibitor and a prokinetic agent results in rapid symptomatic and endoscopic response in the majority of patients.     

Effect of aggressive therapy on laryngeal symptoms and voice characteristics in patients with gastroesophageal reflux.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is associated with a variety of laryngopharyngeal signs and symptoms. Injury of the laryngopharynx as a result of GER can be refractory to conventional antireflux therapy. This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal signs and symptoms in patients with documented GER and to assess the response to a high-dose combination antireflux therapy consisting of cisapride and pantoprazole. Twenty-two patients with symptoms of GER were enrolled. After baseline evaluation using a history questionnaire for symptoms, laryngeal endoscopy and vocal acoustic analysis, patients were started on treatment consisting of pantoprazole 40 mg b.d. and cisapride 20 mg twice daily. Repeat history and otolaryngologic evaluation was performed at 4 weeks. Laryngopharyngeal symptoms were frequent in most patients, with throat clearing and globus being the most prevalent symptoms followed by vocal fatigue and excess mucus production. Almost 90% of the patients had abnormal endoscopic laryngeal findings but the acoustic parameters did not show any abnormal results except for mild elevation in the shimmer. After treatment, all symptoms and endoscopic abnormalities improved significantly except for intermittent dysphonia and laryngeal mucosal redness. Acoustic abnormalities did not change significantly following therapy. Laryngeal symptoms and voice abnormalities are highly prevalent in patients with GER. Combination antireflux therapy with a proton pump inhibitor and a prokinetic agent results in rapid symptomatic and endoscopic response in the majority of patients.     

西吡氯铵含片联合PPI制剂治疗反流性咽喉炎的临床观察

目的 观察西吡氯铵含片联合PPI制剂治疗反流性咽喉炎的临床疗效.方法 本研究为回顾性研究,根据纳入及排除标准选取病例,比较PPI与PPI联合西吡氯铵的治疗效果.对照组共纳入102例,给予埃索美拉唑镁肠溶片治疗,晨起口服剂40mg 1次/d;观察组共纳入83例,给予埃索美拉唑镁肠溶片+西吡氯铵含片,前者剂量同对照组,后者...     

Incidence and treatment results of laryngopharyngeal reflux in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is defined as the movement of gastric content towards the larynx and the pharynx and it may cause respiratory symptoms or difficulty in their control. We aimed to find the frequency of LPR in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and to investigate its effect on COPD symptoms and the results of its treatment. At baseline 30 (20 male, 10 female, mean age: 65 ± 10 years) COPD patients completed LPR and COPD symptom questionnaires and 13 (44%) were diagnosed with LPR based on laryngeal examination. Patients with LPR were given 2 months of PPI treatment, after which LPR and COPD symptom questionnaires, laryngeal examinations and pulmonary function tests were repeated. Following the treatment, significant improvements in COPD symptom index, LPR symptom index and laryngeal examination findings were observed in patients with LPR (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.0001, respectively). Treatment of LPR resulted in a significant improvement in the symptoms of COPD.     

咽喉反流性疾病临床分析

目的　通过埃索美拉唑诊断性治疗咽喉反流性疾病（laryngopharyngeal ref lux disease,LPRD）,观察治疗前后反流症状和体征的变化情况。方法　将疑似LPRD的50例患者诊断性质子泵抑制剂（proton pump inhibitor,PPI）治疗8周,治疗前后均行反流症状指数评分量表（reflux symptom index,RSI）和反流体征评分量表（reflux finding score,RFS）评分。结果　RSI评分中声嘶或发音障碍84%、持续清嗓87%、痰过多或涕倒流71%、吞咽食物、水或药片不利58%、饭后或躺下后咳嗽52%、呼吸不畅或反复窒息发作68%、烦人的咳嗽79%、咽喉异物感92%、烧心、胸痛、胃痛32%。RFS评分中假声带沟45%、喉室消失57%、喉黏膜红斑/充血94%、声带水肿85%、弥漫性喉水肿82%、后连合增生83%、肉芽肿10%、喉内黏稠黏液附着58%。治疗前后RSI总分差异有统计学意义（t =16.42,P <0.001）,治疗前后RFS总分差异有统计学意义（t =16.99,P <0.001）。结论　LPRD的主要症状是咽喉异物感、持续清嗓、声嘶或发音障碍。主要体征是喉黏膜红斑/充血、声带水肿、后连合增生。PPI对于咽喉反流性疾病的症状和体征改善明显。     

Laryngeal pseudosulcus as a predictor of laryngopharyngeal reflux.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Laryngeal pseudosulcus is an accurate prognostic indicator of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) disease. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study of 20 consecutive patients with laryngeal pseudosulcus. Pseudosulcus is infraglottic laryngeal edema that is thought to be secondary to LPR. All patients were evaluated with dual-channel pH probe 24-hour monitoring to evaluate for the presence of laryngopharyngeal reflux. METHODS: Twenty patients identified with laryngeal pseudosulcus on routine physical examination were included in the study. Each patient underwent a 24-hour dual-channel pH probe. The data were analyzed and compared with previously published normative data. The data included the total number of reflux episodes and the percentage of time the pH dropped below 4 at the proximal probe. RESULTS: Eighteen of the 20 patients with laryngeal pseudosulcus were found to have LPR. The mean number of reflux episodes at the proximal probe was 29.4 (range, 3-82). The mean percentage of time the pH dropped below 4 was 1.15%. In the upright position the mean value was 1.59% and in the supine position it was 0.19%. This gives pseudosulcus a positive predictive value for LPR of 90%. CONCLUSION: This study shows laryngeal pseudosulcus to be an accurate predictor of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.     

侵袭性喉真菌病的临床分析

目的：总结侵袭性喉部真菌感染患者的临床资料,探讨发病规律和诊疗方法。方法：回顾性分析我院2006—09—2010—02期间收集的侵袭性喉真菌病11例,行电子喉镜检查、分泌物涂片及培养和组织活检病理检查。采用氟康唑静脉滴注和两性霉素B溶液氧气雾化治疗,再口服伊曲康唑。治疗过程中监测肝肾功能。结果：所有病例都确诊为侵袭性喉真菌病,1例在治疗第2周时出现肝功能损害,药物护肝后继续抗真菌药物治疗。经治疗后症状全部改善,随访1～6年无一例复发。结论：侵袭性喉真菌病与职业接触、滥用抗生素及免疫力低下相关。喉真菌病主要依靠病理检查确诊,分泌物涂片阳性率较低。静脉滴注氟康唑和两性霉素B溶液氧气雾化2～4周,再口服伊曲康唑4周用药安全,疗效可靠。     

Correlation of pH probe-measured laryngopharyngeal reflux with symptoms and signs of reflux laryngitis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Laryngitis secondary to gastric acid reflux is a prevalent, yet incompletely understood, otolaryngological disorder. Further characterization of the relationship between symptoms and signs and reflux severity is needed. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. METHODS: Forty-two consecutive, nonsmoking patients with one or more reflux laryngitis symptoms were recruited to complete a symptom questionnaire, videostrobolaryngoscopy, and 24-hour, dual-sensor pH probe testing. Twenty-nine patients had more than four episodes of laryngopharyngeal reflux, and the remaining 13 served as control subjects. Symptom scores were produced by multiplying the severity by the frequency for the following: hoarseness, throat pain, "lump-in-throat" sensation, throat clearing, cough, excessive phlegm, dysphagia, odynophagia, and heartburn. Endoscopic laryngeal signs included erythema and edema of the vocal folds and arytenoids, and interarytenoid irregularity. RESULTS: Symptom scores varied significantly, with throat clearing being greater than the rest. None of the symptoms, except heartburn, correlated with reflux (laryngopharyngeal and esophageal) severity. Patients with worse laryngopharyngeal reflux were found to have worse esophageal reflux. Endoscopic laryngeal signs were rated as mild, on average, and did not correlate with laryngopharyngeal reflux severity. The number of laryngopharyngeal reflux episodes (per 24 h) ranged from 0 to 40 (mean number, 10.6 episodes). CONCLUSIONS: Throat clearing was the most intense symptom in the present group of patients with proven reflux laryngitis. Dual-sensor pH probe testing could not predict the severity of patient's reflux laryngitis symptoms or signs. Only the heartburn symptom correlated with laryngopharyngeal and esophageal reflux.     

喉起搏器治疗喉麻痹动物模型的研究

目的　研制呼吸频率调节型喉起搏器 ,在单侧喉返神经麻痹的动物模型中实验其是否能引起与呼吸同步的声带功能性外展运动。方法　喉起搏器带有感受呼吸信号的压力传感器 ,以气体压力的变化作为失神经环杓后肌的起搏信号来源 ,经电刺激使声带外展与呼吸同步。健康猫 6只 ,切断左侧喉返神经。将喉起搏器的刺激电极植入猫左侧环杓后肌。分别于术后即刻、1、2、4、8、1 2周间歇性刺激 ,刺激频率 30Hz ,脉宽 0 6ms ,刺激强度 0～ 8mA。在直接喉镜下观察声带活动情况。术后 1 2周摄录不同的刺激强度下声门图像 ,测量刺激与非刺激时相对声门面积。结果　在喉起搏器作用下 ,麻痹的声带外展与呼吸同步 ,相对声门面积增加 1 8%。喉麻痹 1周后 ,所需刺激强度阈值增大 ,1 2周时接近失神经初始时刺激阈值。结论　本实验研制的呼吸频率调节型喉起搏器 ,能感知动物呼吸节律的改变 ,依呼吸频率调节起搏频率 ,发放吸气期电刺激脉冲使患侧声带外展 ,有可能对喉麻痹的治疗提供一种新的技术方法     

Pathophysiological mechanisms of extraesophageal reflux in otolaryngeal disorders

As more than 40% of adults experience symptoms of the gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and 26% are affected by the extraesophageal reflux (EER), the aim of this article was to review the literature concerning pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to these common diseases. Reflux symptoms are ascribable for nearly one-third of otolaryngeal disorders. In contrast to patients solely affected by GERD, patients with otolaryngeal disorders attributable to extraesophageal reflux have a relatively good esophageal acid clearance but for unknown reasons increased amounts of laryngeal reflux. Transient upper esophageal sphincter relaxations are discussed as the pathophysiological mechanism, as the resting tone of the upper esophageal sphincter is not affected. When exposed to gastroduodenal contents, the ciliated epithelium of otolaryngeal structures is more susceptible to damage, and thereby even a few reflux episodes are suggested to cause extraesophageal reflux disease (EERD). Particularly active pepsin contributes to laryngeal lesions and eustachian tube dysfunction. Despite the importance of EER in laryngeal diseases, the causative role in other otolaryngeal disorders like sinusitis and otitis media with effusion remains unresolved.     

Atypical and disparate presentations of laryngeal sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem chronic granulomatous disease of unknown cause that typically affects patients between 20 and 40 years of age. Laryngeal involvement most frequently involves the supraglottis and presents with dyspnea. We present a retrospective review of 4 patients with previously undiagnosed sarcoidosis who presented with atypical signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis: dysphonia with isolated vocal fold involvement; cough and globus pharyngeus; pediatric sarcoidosis; and severe bilateral vocal fold paresis and dysphagia. Our aim is to highlight disparate presentations of laryngeal sarcoidosis, as well as the treatment options. Laryngeal sarcoidosis may present with atypical signs and symptoms and occasionally presents in pediatric patients. A high degree of suspicion is necessary for a correct diagnosis in these patients. Early diagnosis and proper management of laryngeal sarcoidosis is important, as the symptoms are debilitating and possibly life-threatening. Treatment may consist of local and systemic chemotherapy, and adjunctive procedures.     

Impact of 24-hour intraesophageal pH monitoring with 2 channels in the diagnosis of reflux-induced otolaryngologic disorders

BACKGROUND: Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may suffer from a large variety of symptoms in the upper aerodigestive tract such as globus sensation, chronic cough, hoarseness and many others. Diagnosis and causal therapy may sometimes be difficult with gastroenterologic evaluation sometimes revealing no pathologic result. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of 24-hour intraesophageal pH monitoring with 2 channels (gastric and laryngeal) in the diagnosis of reflux-induced otolaryngologic disorders. METHODS: This study included 22 patients presenting to the Department of Otolaryngology with symptoms like chronic cough (n = 3), globus sensation and dysphagia (n = 11), heartburn (n = 2), hoarseness and dysphonia (n = 2) or burning sensation of the tongue (n = 1). Three patients had a pathologic formation in the glottic area (leukoplakia, granuloma, polyp). All patients underwent a otolaryngological examination, a gastroenterological investigation and a 24-hour intraesophageal pH monitoring with 2 channels. RESULTS: All 22 patients showed laryngeal mucosal lesions (posterior laryngitis). The gastroenterological evaluation with esophagogastroduodenoscopy was normal in 4 cases. 13 patients showed a hiatal hernia, 4 patients were suffering from a reflux-esophagitis grade I and 2 patients from grade II. One patient had an erythema and 5 patients showed erosions of the gastric mucosa. Seven patients had more than one of the above mentioned diagnoses. Intraesophageal pH-monitoring with 2 channels over 24 hours revealed a gastroesophageal reflux of all 22 patients and a high reflux to the laryngeal level of 21 patients, probably causing laryngopharyngeal symptoms. Therapy of the patients consisted of medical antireflux treatment with proton pump inhibitor esomeprazol (Nexium, 40 mg, 1-0-0). Within 4 weeks 15 of 22 patients had no more laryngopharyngeal symptoms or at least a significant reduction. CONCLUSION: Patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms such as hoarseness, globus sensation or dysphagia can suffer from GERD, even if typical symptoms such as heartburn or retrosternal pain do not exist and gastroesophageal intervention reveals a normal result. The best diagnostic instrument for the diagnosis of reflux-induced otolaryngologic disorders is a 24-hour intraesophageal pH-monitoring with 2 channels (measure-points at the distal esophagus and laryngeal level). Medical antireflux treatment should consist of proton pump inhibitors (e. g. Nexium) in a dose of 40 mg per day over at least 4 weeks.     

Laryngeal involvement in pemphigus vulgaris: a proposed classification

Objective: (1) To investigate the incidence of laryngeal involvement in a large series of patients with pemphigus vulgaris, using endoscopic examination, (2) to describe the lesions, and (3) to establish a classification of laryngeal involvement in pemphigus vulgaris based on the location of the lesions. Study design: Prospective study. Methods: A total of 40 sequentially treated pemphigus vulgaris patients, diagnosed using clinical, histological and immunofluorescence criteria, were evaluated for laryngeal manifestations using endoscopic examination. The results were used to establish a graded classification of laryngeal involvement according to the location of the lesions. Results: Active laryngeal lesions (ulcers or blisters) were found in 16 patients (40 per cent). Of these, 37.5 per cent were classified as grade I, 20 per cent as grade II, 20 per cent as grade III and 17.5 per cent as grade IV. Conclusion: Laryngeal involvement is common in pemphigus vulgaris and must be considered at the point of diagnosis. Grade I lesions are the most frequent.     

中西医结合治疗痰热蕴结型咽喉反流性疾病的临床研究

目的观察中西医结合法治疗痰热蕴结型咽喉反流性疾病的临床疗效。方法选取2018年9月至2019年9月就诊于辽宁中医药大学附属医院耳鼻咽喉科的痰热蕴结型咽喉反流患者60例为研究对象,随机分为对照组和治疗组各30例。对照组采用口服埃索美拉唑镁肠溶片治疗,治疗组在对照组的基础上加服中药汤剂治疗,组成:瓜蒌子15 g、甘草10 g、蜜麻黄10 g、麦冬15 g、生石膏30 g、炒枳壳15 g、炒紫苏子15 g、川贝母2 g、清半夏15 g加减,疗程均为2个月。分别于治疗前和治疗后对患者进行电子喉镜检查,并且观察反流症状指数RSI和反流体征评分RFS量表评分变化,从而进行疗效评价。结果两组治疗均能改善患者症状,但观察组方案优于对照组。结论中西医结合法治疗痰热蕴结型咽喉反流患者疗效显著,大大的改善患者的症状,值得推广。     

Participación laríngea en la tos crónica

Cough lasting more than 8 weeks is considered chronic. If the classic causes of chronic cough have been discarded, vagus nerve sensory disturbances are currently considered the most important etiological cause. Patients with chronic cough of laryngeal origin have associated symptoms such as globus, dysphagia, dysphonia, dyspnoea and/or stridor. These patients are more likely to have paradoxical vocal fold movement. There is a higher cough reflex sensibility and neuropathic laryngeal response, mainly caused by viral infection or reflux. The cough associated with reflux has 2 mechanisms: Exposure to acid in the distal oesophagus (gastroesophageal reflux) and microaspiration of oesophageal contents into the larynx and tracheo-bronchial tree (pharyngo-laryngeal reflux). Laryngeal neuropathy hypersensitivity responds well to speech therapy as a treatment for refractory chronic cough. Because chronic cough is a sign of laryngeal sensory, neuropathy can improve with neuroleptic drugs such as amitriptyline and gabapentin.