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SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences
Reflux laryngitis
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Reflux laryngitis

Contributors: Abhijeet Waghray MD, Nishant H. Patel MD, Desiree Rivera-Nieves MD, Khaled Bittar MD, Paritosh Prasad MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Reflux laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx associated with reflux of gastric secretions. Thought to be an atypical manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), reflux laryngitis was historically known as supra-esophageal GERD. Symptoms can include voice quality changes, dysphagia, nonproductive cough, chronic throat clearing, hoarseness, globus sensation, dysphonia, and dyspepsia. The condition may be associated with subglottic stenosis, vocal polyps, Reinke's edema, vocal fold granulomas, and laryngospasm.

Behavior changes can decrease symptoms; these include weight loss, avoidance of exacerbating exposures such as alcohol and coffee, and quitting smoking. Medical therapy includes proton pump inhibitors, and in select patients, surgical Nissen fundoplication may be an option. Ruling out serious disorders, such as laryngeal cancer, should be completed prior to initiating medical therapy.

Codes

ICD10CM:
K21.9 – Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis

SNOMEDCT:
427780002 – Laryngitis due to gastroesophageal reflux

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Diagnostic Pearls

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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

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Best Tests

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Management Pearls

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Therapy

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References

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Last Reviewed:03/01/2018
Last Updated:03/01/2018
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Reflux laryngitis
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A medical illustration showing key findings of Reflux laryngitis : Cough, Hoarseness, Globus sensation, Dysphonia, Dyspepsia
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.