Pitfalls of diagnosis and therapy of laryngopharyngeal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease
DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2026-10-5-5
Рitfalls of diagnosis and therapy of laryngopharyngeal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease
M.A. Livzan, O.V. Gaus, K.A. Martirosyan
Omsk State Medical University, Omsk, Russian Federation
Laryngopharyngeal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) represent one of the most challenging and controversial issues in modern gastroenterology. In recent years, the concept of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) has undergone substantial revision including the distinction between nonspecific laryngopharyngeal symptoms (chronic cough, dysphonia, globus pharyngis and tickle) and objectively confirmed reflux-associated disease. This review is focused on the diagnostic challenges related to low specificity of clinical symptoms and laryngoscopic findings, questionnaire limitations, and the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria. Limitations of current reflux assessment methods (including daily pH-impedansometry and emerging diagnostic approaches) are discussed. Particular attention is given to major therapeutic pitfalls including inappropriate use of prolonged antisecretory therapy in patients with isolated laryngeal complaints. Current evidence regarding the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors and esophagoprotectors in management of LPR is also reviewed.
Keywords: gastroesophageal reflux disease, laryngopharyngeal reflux, laryngopharyngeal symptoms, extraesophageal manifestations of GERD, pH-impedansometry, proton pump inhibitors, esophagoprotector.
For citation: Livzan M.A., Gaus O.V., Martirosyan K.A. Pitfalls of diagnosis and therapy of laryngopharyngeal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2026;10(5):294–301 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2026-10-5-5
About the authors:
Maria A. Livzan — Corresponding Member of the RAS, Dr. Sc. (Med.), Professor, Head of the Department of Faculty Therapy and Gastroenterology, Rector of the Omsk State Medical University; 12, Lenin str., Omsk, 644099, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0001-6581-7017
Olga V. Gaus — Dr. Sc. (Med.), Assistant Professor, Professor of the Department of Faculty Therapy and Gastroenterology, Omsk State Medical University; 12, Lenin str., Omsk, 644099, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0001-9370-4768
Kristina A. Martirosyan — Teaching Assistant of the Department of Internal Diseases and Family Medicine of Continuing Professional Education, Omsk State Medical University; 12, Lenin str., Omsk, 644099, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0003-4461-316X
Contact information: Olga V. Gaus, e-mail: gaus_olga@bk.ru
Financial Disclosure: the paper was prepared as a part of the "Development of a Non-Invasive Diagnostic Method of Extraesophageal Manifestations of GERD" State Assignment of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (State Registration No. 125050605846–4 dt 06.05.2025).
There is no conflict of interest.
Received 15.04.2026.
Revised 30.04.2026.
Accepted 19.05.2026.
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