Voice and Laryngeal Characteristics of Laryngo-pharyngeal Reflux Subjects who Have Not Responded to Aggressive Medical Treatment

Résumé du livre

This thesis is an examination of the co-occurrence of voice and laryngeal characteristics that present in subjects who have laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), where aggressive medical treatment is not effective in eliminating signs and symptoms of reflux. Vocal symptoms of LPR include episodes of hoarseness, globus pharyngeus, glottal fry and chronic throat clearing, while common anatomical and physiological findings of LPR are laryngitis, pachydermia, edema, and vocal lesions. The purpose of this study is to document the difference in vocal behaviors, voice characteristics, and anatomy and physiology of the vocal cords between two groups. Group 1 consists of 9 subjects with no complaints of LPR or voice problems and Group 2 consists of 9 subjects with LPR who have not responded to aggressive medical treatment. All subjects completed a questionnaire, were assessed through a voice evaluation and underwent videostroboscopy. These groups were tested and data was gathered to determine whether non-response to medical treatment in Group 2 subjects was due to co-occurring LPR and abusive vocal behaviors.