Laryngopharyngeal reflux diseasea (LPRD): It is the phenomenon of reflux of gastric contents into the area above the upper esophageal sphincter, including the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. Pharyngeal reflux disease is not a particular disease, but a collective term for a series of symptoms, signs or some diseases caused by reflux of gastric contents into the throat.
How is pharyngeal reflux diagnosed? It is mainly based on clinical history and laryngoscopy. The initial assessment is currently based on the Reflux Symptom Index Scale and the Reflux Screening Scale.
Reflux Symptom Index Scale
What symptoms have bothered you in the past few months?
0 No symptoms
5 Very severe
Hoarseness or dysphonia
0
1
2
3
4
5
Continuous throat clearing
0
1
2
3
4
5
Excessive phlegm or nasal discharge
0
1
2
3
4
5
Swallowing food, water or pills is unfavorable
0
1
2
3
4
5
Coughing after meals or after lying down
0
1
2
3
4
5
Respiratory distress or recurrent choking episodes
0
1
2
3
4
5
Annoying cough
0
1
2
3
4
5
Foreign body sensation in the throat
0
1
2
3
4
5
Heartburn, chest pain, stomach pain
0
1
2
3
4
5
Total score
Reflux Examination Scoring Scale
Pseudo-acoustic sulcus
0 None
2 Present
Loss of laryngeal ventricle
0=absent
2=partially
4=Completely
Erythema or congestion
0=absent
2=Limited to spongy cartilage
4=Diffuse
vocal fold edema
0=None
1=mild
2=Moderate
3=severe
4=Any interstitial edema
Diffuse laryngospasm
0=None
1=mild
2=moderate
3=severe
4=Obstruction
Posterior joint hyperplasia
0=None
1=mild
2=Moderate
3=severe
4=Obstruction
Granuloma
0=absent
2=present
Sticky mucus adherence in the larynx
0=absent
2=present