Published online Jul 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i27.8964
Revised: January 17, 2014
Accepted: April 1, 2014
Published online: July 21, 2014
Processing time: 296 Days and 11.9 Hours
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) occurs when gastric contents pass the upper esophageal sphincter, causing symptoms such as hoarseness, sore throat, coughing, excess throat mucus, and globus. The pattern of reflux is different in LPR and gastroesophageal reflux. LPR usually occurs during the daytime in the upright position whereas gastroesophageal reflux disease more often occurs in the supine position at night-time or during sleep. Ambulatory 24-h double pH-probe monitoring is the gold standard diagnostic tool for LPR. Acid suppression with proton pump inhibitor on a long-term basis is the mainstay of treatment. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is found in many sites including laryngeal mucosa and interarytenoid region. In this paper, we aim to present the relationship between LPR and H. pylori and review the current literature.
Core tip: This paper reviews the literature regarding the relationship between laryngophrayngeal reflux (LPR) and Helicobacter pylori. The otolaryngology perspective of LPR and the importance of endoscopic examination are emphasized.