The role of gastric reflux in lingual tonsil hypertrophy

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR) is a chronic, often uncomfortable, condition that affects millions of people.

Unlike gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in LPR the stomach acids actually rise all the way up the throat and the back of the nose, often without any symptoms of heartburn.

In a new study presented at the 2007 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, researchers explored the presence of lingual tonsil hypertrophy (LTH) using flexible laryngoscopy to assess for pH evidence of reflux disease. The results of the study found that the larger the patient's lingual tonsils, the more reflux was present.

The findings of the study could be useful in the diagnostic criteria of LPR and add to the non-invasive diagnostic armamentarium used in treating reflux disease.