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The laryngeal and esophageal manifestations of Sjögren’s syndrome

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Abstract

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is the syndrome caused by the backflow of gastric contents into the upper aerodiges-tive tract. Acid and pepsin in the pharynx, larynx, oral cav-ity, and trachea have been associated with dysphonia, chronic cough, reactive airway disease, middle ear effusion, throat pain, excessive throat mucus, postnasal drip, dental caries, and laryngeal cancer. The symptoms of LPR fre-quently occur in the absence of heartburn and esophagitis, and, thus, the diagnosis may be elusive. Individuals with Sjögren’s syndrome are predisposed to reflux, and a high index of suspicion for LPR must be maintained in all individ-uals with the disease. This manuscript describes the laryn-geal, pharyngeal, and esophageal manifestations of reflux in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and reviews state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment strategies.

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  1. Scripps Center for Voice and Swallowing, 9888 Genesee Avenue, #128, 92037, La Jolla, CA, USA

    Peter C. Belafsky MD, PhD

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  1. Peter C. Belafsky MD, PhD
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  2. Gregory N. Postma MD
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Belafsky, P.C., Postma, G.N. The laryngeal and esophageal manifestations of Sjögren’s syndrome. Curr Rheumatol Rep 5, 297–303 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-003-0008-6

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