Laryngopharyngeal Symptoms and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment.

Chronic cough, hoarseness, and other laryngopharyngeal symptoms (LPS) are common complaints that often prompt a referral to an allergist/immunologist. Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) can cause LPS, and due to its symptom overlap with many other conditions, it is critical to understand how to clinically evaluate and treat this disease. Assessing for the presence or absence of concomitant gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms is critical. The importance of direct visualization via laryngoscopy, and in some cases endoscopic evaluation and pH testing, also highlight the importance of taking a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate suspected LPRD patients. This manuscript reviews LPS, the pathophysiology and diagnostic criteria of LPRD, and the often multidisciplinary approach required to best evaluate and manage this group of patients.