Frequency Of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease In Patients With Chronic Posterior Laryngitis And Their Response To Treatment

Posterior laryngitis represents a clinical problem among ENTpatients. It is attributable to many aetiologies such as voice abuse, viralinfection postnasal drip, heavy smoking, endotracheal intubation,exposure to toxic fumes and GERD.Diagnosis of GERD-related laryngitis represents a diagnosticdilemma. History and physical examination both have significantlimitations in identifying patients who will respond to antirefluxtherapy. This work has been conducted in Tropical Medicine and ENTDepartments, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig university from July 1999to July 2000. A total number of 40 Egyptian patients were selectedfrom the out patients clinic of ENT department and complaining ofmanifestations suggestive of posterior laryngitis. All the patients weresubjected to the following:1-History taking and thorough clinical examination with exclusion ofthe patients with history of heavy smoking, recent laryngealintubation, laryngeal carcinoma and recent laryngeal surgery.Laryngeal symptoms as hoarseness of voice, cough, throat burningor pain and throat clearing were evaluated by symptom scores. Fouresophageal symptoms were evaluatid by the same symptom scores.These symptoms are heart burn, regurgitation, Globus anddysphagia.2-Laryngoscopic examination by the otolaryngologist. Each laryngealfinding of erythema, edema, pale mucosa and hypertrophic mucosawas also evaluated by laryngeal examination scores.3-24 hrs pH-metry with single probe in the distal esophagus.4-Upper G.I.T endoscopy and grading of GERD according to SavaryMiller new endoscopic grading system.