Enlarged Tonsils Associated with Reflux Disease

Newswise — Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR) is a chronic, often uncomfortable, condition that affects millions of people. Unlike gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in LPR the stomach acids actually rise all the way up the throat and the back of the nose, often without any symptoms of heartburn.

In a new study presented at the 2007 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, researchers explored the presence of lingual tonsil hypertrophy (LTH) using flexible laryngoscopy to assess for pH evidence of reflux disease. The results of the study found that the larger the patient's lingual tonsils, the more reflux was present.

The findings of the study could be useful in the diagnostic criteria of LPR and add to the non-invasive diagnostic armamentarium used in treating reflux disease.

Title: The Role of Gastric Reflux in Lingual Tonsil HypertrophyAuthors: Iman Naseri, MD, John M DelGaudio, MDDate: Tuesday, September 18, 8:54 am - 9:02 am

Information for the MediaThe AAO-HNS Annual Meeting newsroom will be located in Registration East, Street Level of the Washington, DC Convention Center. Hours of operation: Saturday, September 15, 12 pm to 5 pm; Sunday - Tuesday, September 16 -18, 7:30 am to 5 pm; and Wednesday, September 19, 7:30 am to 2 pm. The newsroom serves as a work space for credentialed members of the media and credentialed public relations staff. The newsroom is managed and staffed by the AAO-HNS Communications Unit. Please see the AAO-HNS website for media credentialing requirements for the event - http://www.entnet.org/ent-press/online_reg.cfm.

About the AAO-HNSThe American Academy of Otolaryngology " Head and Neck Surgery (http://www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's mission: "Working for the Best Ear, Nose, and Throat Care."