The food, after its intake from the oral cavity, is transferred to the stomach in order, through the production of gastric acids, to carry out the process of digestion. However, sometimes stomach acid and stomach contents can back up into the esophagus, causing a condition known as reflux. Reflux, in addition to the esophagus, can also occur in the pharynx or larynx, causing a number of symptoms. The diagnosis of pharyngolaryngeal reflux is carried out by an otolaryngologist, who thoroughly examines the affected area and the symptoms.

Causes of pharyngolaryngeal reflux

The causes of reflux of stomach contents into the pharynx and larynx are initially relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Every human organism has two esophageal sphincters. When one of them is not properly secured, it is unable to prevent the reflux of food. At the same time, the consumption of foods rich in fat and carbonated drinks, spicy or hot foods containing garlic or onion or acidic foods such as citrus fruits or tomatoes facilitates the arisal of reflux.

Other factors responsible for the manifestation of pharyngolaryngeal reflux are an increase in intra-abdominal fat and pressure in the stomach area due to obesity, the existence of a hiatal hernia, which causes swelling in the upper part of the stomach, preventing the proper closure of the lower esophageal sphincter, but also pregnancy, which increases intra-abdominal pressure. Finally, eating before bed increases the chances of food reflux.

Symptoms of pharyngolaryngeal reflux

Reflux of stomach contents into the pharynx and larynx area does not manifest itself as the main symptom of heartburn. Symptoms that indicate the presence of laryngopharyngeal reflux include the appearance of hoarseness in the voice, especially if gastric acids have regurgitated towards the vocal cords, the appearance of a chronic cough, the patient’s strong need to constantly clear his throat and the constant presence of mucus in the area of the neck.

At the same time, there is a feeling of dryness, pain or burning in the throat, while the patient may face a problem when swallowing food or acquire a bitter or sour taste in the mouth, especially in the morning hours. Other symptoms of the condition include pain in the ear area that is not due to an infection, mucus build-up at the back of the nose, and swollen tonsils.

Diagnosis of pharyngolaryngeal reflux: Process

The diagnosis of pharyngolaryngeal reflux is carried out by ENT Surgeon in Athens Dr. Olga Papadopoulou by a clinical examination of the pharynx and larynx, followed by a nasal endoscopy and a laryngoscopy with special endoscopes, in order to identify the areas of the pharynx, larynx and vocal cords that have been affected from the reflux. At the same time, through the same examination, any complications of pharyngolaryngeal reflux such as the development of inflammation in the paranasal sinuses and ears are detected and treated.