Symptom Overlap Between Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Glottic Insufficiency in Vocal Fold Atrophy Patients

Abstract

Throat clearing and mucus sensation may be due to underlying glottic insufficiency and changes of the aging larynx rather than LPR. High VHI and RSI scores normalized with TVF augmentation. Further work is needed to evaluate symptom presentation and risk versus benefit of treatment options, especially if it avoids unnecessary proton pump inhibitor trials.

Nissen Fundoplication for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux After Patient Selection Using Dual pH, Full Column Impedance Testing

“…11 The complaint of throat clearing and mucus sensation appears nonspecific when discerning between GI and LPR. 10 That being the case, the RSI includes a question regarding hoarseness and throat clearing, which, if a significant patient complaint but due to true vocal fold pathology, can skew the RSI score.…”

Reflux and Voice Disorders: Have We Established Causality?

“…One found that patients with glottic insufficiency had pathologically elevated RSI scores, which normalized after its surgical correction with injection augmentation. 51 In another, 21 patients previously diagnosed with LPR (mean RSI 16.3) were found to have alternate diagnoses 52 , suggesting that the proposed cut-off for LPR is not exclusive.…”

Untitled

“…This accounts for greater than 10 million people in the United States per the US Census Bureau, and 33% of this population were still in the workforce or participating in hobby groups of singing, poetry or another hobby involving the use of voice. 1,4,5 As the number of patients that might require improvement of their voice is increasing, medical treatment for this condition is taking more importance.…”