Acid suppression does not reduce symptoms from vocal cord dysfunction, where gastro-laryngeal reflux is a known trigger

Respirology. 2013 Apr;18(3):553-4. doi: 10.1111/resp.12058.

Abstract

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is characterized by paradoxical inspiratory abduction of the vocal cords. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a known trigger. We studied 77 patients referred to a tertiary VCD clinic. VCD was diagnosed in 62, of which 83.9% had proven GORD. Following 8 weeks of acid suppression, 24.2% reported improvement in the severity and frequency of VCD attacks. This study suggests that empirical treatment of GORD in VCD marginally improves symptom control.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Esophageal pH Monitoring
  • Gastric Acid / metabolism*
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / complications*
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Laryngitis / drug therapy*
  • Laryngitis / etiology
  • Laryngitis / metabolism
  • Middle Aged
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Vocal Cords / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Proton Pump Inhibitors