Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), also known as throat reflux, affects 20% to 30% of the Western population, but remains largely undiagnosed due to a lack of medical information, according to a study by a Belgian ENT specialist.
This less-known variant of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is often underdiagnosed because of its atypical symptoms, Professor Jérôme Lechien, an ENT specialist at the Epicura hospital in Hainaut, notes in his study.
These include mucus, dry throat, difficulty swallowing, voice problems, coughing, and bad breath.
GERD, on the other hand, is easily identified by acidity, heartburn, and oesophageal reflux, Professor Lechien explains. As a result, it is diagnosed more frequently.
In cases of laryngopharyngeal reflux, there is no acidity, and the oesophagus appears normal. Patients often undergo numerous unnecessary and expensive tests.
Dr Lechien’s study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Bergen and the Université Libre de Bruxelles’ School of Public Health, shows that the average cost to the social security system is around €310 per LPR patient, excluding an additional €54 that the patient must pay out of pocket.
Extrapolating these figures to the entire population, the financial impact on social security could range from €359 million to €1 billion per year, according to the study.
Dr. Lechien underscores the need to better inform doctors about LPR and to develop clinical tools that facilitate the detection and treatment of the disease.
