Characteristics of upright versus supine reflux pattern in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux

Abstract Introduction Many laryngeal-related problems have been attributed to laryngopharyngeal reflux including dysphonia, frequent throat clearing, chronic cough, and globus sensation. However, there is still controversy regarding diagnosis and clinical presentation of this disorder. Objective The main objective of this study is to describe laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) characteristics of different reflux position patterns in LPR patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal pH monitoring. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted for 161 LPR patients diagnosed with 24 h oro-pharyngeal pH monitoring. Study subjects were categorized into upright and supine LPR groups based on the pH results. The two groups were compared regarding the clinical presentation and pH characteristics. Results Significant higher rates of upright LPR position than supine LPR position (P  Conclusion LPR was found to be more prevalent occurring in the upright position among the study group. Reflux-related characteristics including pH parameters were more evident in the upright LPR position.