Home
Articles
Q&A

What is the difference between reflux laryngitis and reflux esophagitis?

May 14, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
The differences between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) generally include different causes, symptoms, treatment approaches, and prognoses. Symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux typically include dry cough, difficulty breathing, and thickening of the mucous membranes in the throat, while symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include upper abdominal pain and a burning sensation in the esophagus. In addition, the two conditions differ in their prognosis.

The differences between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) generally include different causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches, among others. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Different Causes

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is primarily caused by excessive mental stress or irregular eating habits, which lead to the backflow of gastric acid from the stomach into the throat. The acidic substances irritate and corrode the local mucosa, resulting in inflammatory changes. Gastroesophageal reflux disease may be associated with factors such as medication irritation or unhealthy dietary habits. For example, frequent use of calcium channel blockers or consumption of alcoholic beverages may impair the esophagus's defensive functions. When gastric contents reflux, the esophagus fails to clear them effectively, allowing small amounts of gastric material to pool in recessed areas of the esophagus and cause irritation, leading to the development of this condition.

2. Different Symptoms

Symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux typically include dry cough, difficulty breathing, and thickening of the throat mucosa. In contrast, symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include upper abdominal pain and a burning sensation in the esophagus. In severe cases, it may lead to abnormal mucosal bleeding and subsequently cause iron-deficiency anemia.

3. Different Treatments

Patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux can, under medical guidance, use medications such as cimetidine injection or omeprazole enteric-coated capsules. Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease may follow their doctor’s instructions to take drugs such as mosapride citrate tablets or domperidone tablets.

In addition, the two conditions also differ in prognosis. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical attention if they experience significant discomfort to prevent worsening of the condition.


Related Articles

View All
How long does it take to cure reflux laryngitis with traditional Chinese medicine?
In general, reflux laryngitis can be cured with traditional Chinese medicine within 1 to 4 weeks. Medication should be taken as directed by a physician. If any adverse physical reactions occur after taking the herbal medicine, prompt medical attention is recommended. In daily life, patients should maintain a light diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods to prevent worsening of the condition. Additionally, drinking plenty of water helps promote metabolism and supports recovery.
avatar
Dr. Lu Cheng
View Full Answer
What is laryngopharyngeal reflux?
When laryngopharyngeal reflux occurs, it may generally be a sign of conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic pharyngitis, or hiatal hernia. In patients with GERD, abnormal function of the lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach contents to reflux into the throat, causing laryngopharyngeal reflux. Besides throat discomfort, these patients often experience typical symptoms such as acid regurgitation and heartburn. Thus, laryngopharyngeal reflux can serve as one of the important indicators for diagnosing this condition.
avatar
Dr. Lu Cheng
View Full Answer
What causes reflux laryngitis?
Laryngopharyngeal reflux is primarily caused by lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction, excessive gastric acid secretion, delayed gastric emptying, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and anatomical abnormalities. The core trigger is the irritation of the throat by refluxed gastric acid and stomach contents. If symptoms such as a sensation of a foreign body in the throat or burning discomfort persist for more than two weeks, especially when accompanied by acid regurgitation and heartburn, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
avatar
Dr. Lu Cheng
View Full Answer
How to manage chronic pharyngitis
In general, chronic pharyngitis may be caused by factors such as prolonged overuse of the voice, repeated environmental irritation, untreated acute pharyngitis, allergic rhinitis, or laryngopharyngeal reflux. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms through daily self-care and medication under a doctor's guidance. In daily diet, avoid spicy and excessively hot foods, and consume more throat-soothing foods such as pears and white fungus (silver ear).
avatar
Dr. Lu Cheng
View Full Answer
Why does a strong sensation of a foreign body in the throat persist despite normal laryngoscopy results, and what should be done?
In general, a significant sensation of a foreign body in the throat without any abnormal findings on laryngoscopy may be caused by factors such as mental stress, excessive voice use, chronic pharyngitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, or elongated styloid process syndrome. Management can include lifestyle adjustments, medication, or surgical treatment depending on the specific situation. In daily life, it's important to develop healthy voice-use habits, maintain a positive mood, and follow a light, regular diet.
avatar
Dr. Lu Cheng
View Full Answer
What causes the sensation of a foreign body in the throat?
In general, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat may be caused by dietary irritation, stress, chronic pharyngitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, tonsillar hypertrophy, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a qualified hospital. In daily life, maintain regular作息 (sleep patterns) and avoid staying up late; avoid loud shouting to reduce strain on the throat.
avatar
Dr. Lu Cheng
View Full Answer
What foods are good for reflux laryngitis?
Patients with reflux laryngitis may benefit from consuming foods such as millet, pumpkin, cabbage, apples, and warm or cool honey water, which can help soothe throat discomfort and reduce gastric acid irritation. In daily life, in addition to dietary adjustments, it is important to avoid spicy, greasy, and overly acidic foods, chew food thoroughly and eat slowly, and refrain from lying down immediately after meals. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding late nights and excessive fatigue can help reduce symptom flare-ups.
avatar
Dr. Lu Cheng
View Full Answer
What is reflux pharyngitis?
In general, reflux pharyngitis, also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux or gastroesophageal reflux-related pharyngitis, is a chronic pharyngitis caused by the backflow of gastric acid or stomach contents into the upper esophagus, throat, and even the nasopharynx and oral cavity. It is important to maintain regular eating habits, avoid overeating, refrain from heavy dinners, and not eat within two hours before bedtime. Intake of spicy, greasy, and overly acidic foods should be reduced.
avatar
Dr. Lu Cheng
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.