Evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux as a cause of idiopathic hoarseness

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Eleven patients presenting to an ear, nose, and throat specialist were diagnosed as having idiopathic hoarseness and prospectively evaluated for evidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) to determine if an association existed. Testing for GER included voice analysis, EGD, esophageal manometry, Bernstein test, and ambulatory 24-hr pH monitoring. Six of the 11 (55%) hoarse patients studied had GER by pH monitoring (mean score 105±23), and most reflux episodes were supine and prolonged (20.9±8.2% supine pHper os twice a day for 12 weeks improved esophagitis in all patients, but the voice improved in only one of the two patients with completely healed esophagitis. This study suggests that (1) GER is frequently seen in patients with idiopathic hoarseness (55%), (2) hoarse patients with throat pain or nocturnal heartburn are likely to have severe esophagitis and should be evaluated by EGD, and (3) additional antireflux and voice therapy may be necessary to heal esophagitis and improve the voice.

This publication has 19 references indexed in Scilit: