Reflux Laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx secondary to nocturnal gastric reflux.

Reflux laryngitis secondary to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is more common among the elderly because they are more likely to have impaired esophageal peristalsis and weakened esophageal sphincter tone. Patients who sleep in the recumbent position may feel a burning sensation in the hypopharynx and larynx; this sensation must be differentiated from angina.

Sleeping with the head elevated often prevents the reflux. If this measure is inadequate, a proton pump inhibitor (eg, omeprazole), an H₂-receptor blocker (eg, famotidine, ranitidine), or a smooth muscle agonist (eg, metoclopramide) may help.