Prevalence of laryngeal alterations in patients with erosive esophagitis

Abstract

Introduction: The association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngeal disorders has been much debated in recent years. Recent studies suggest an association between laryngeal symptoms and pharyngeal symptoms extra-esophageal reflux, as atypical presentation of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Objectives: To correlate the presence of laryngeal to the grades of erosive esophagitis. Methods: A prospective study. Patients with findings of esophagitis on endoscopy were categorized according to LosAngeles and submitted a questionnaire followed by laryngoscopy. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis (p<0.05). Results: Patients with typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease accounted for 96.6%. Eighteen had changes consistent with class A (60%), class B with seven (7%) and 5 with classes C + D (16.6%). The presence of laryngeal changes were more prevalent in more severe esophagitis (grades C and D Los Angeles) when compared to milder forms (classes A and B), a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Conclusion: The laryngeal disorders are frequent findings in patients with esophagitis, more frequent the greater the degree of esophageal injury.

Keywords

• Esophagitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Laryngitis.