Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (cont)
Additional treatments:
If medications fail to resolve symptoms, endoscopic or surgical interventions may be necessary. New endoscopic treatment options are available to control acid reflux as an alternative to chronic medications or to avoid surgery. These options can be discussed with your gastroenterologist.
Surgery:
This option is reserved for when the above measures aren’t working. It can also be used as an alternative to chronic medication therapy. The surgery is called “Nissen Fundoplication”. This is a surgical procedure where the upper portion of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter area to prevent reflux.
When to seek medical advice?
In cases of chronic hoarseness or no improvement in symptoms with treatment, please call your doctor for additional advice. You may be referred to ENT for additional testing to rule out other problems. If heartburn, significant trouble swallowing or chest pain occurs, please call your doctor to discuss symptoms as this is atypical for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease and may indicate other problems and a need for additional testing such as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). If significant weight loss has occurred medical attention should be sought.