Laryngopharyngeal reflux and voice disorders: an overview on disease mechanisms, treatments, and research advances.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is common. Nevertheless, controversy persists regarding its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Research studies have been unconvincing, and contradictory in some cases. Standards of diagnosis remain controversial, and there is a paucity of incontrovertible data confirming efficacy of treatment. Because of the high prevalence of LPR and its potential serious consequences (including laryngeal carcinoma), it is important for physicians to be familiar with contemporary perspectives on this disorder, current standards of patient care, and the need for additional multidisciplinary research.