Present Status and Prospect of Researches on Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

인후두역류 관련 연구의 현황 및 전망

Although the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is presumed to be very high, basic researches on LPR have not been active so far. This is a review of present status and prospect of researches on LPR to help readers' understanding of current trend on LPR research. In vitro and in vivo researches on acid/pepsin, intercellular junctions, bile juice, carbonic anhydrase, cytokines, and Helicobacter pylori were discussed. Considering that quality of life is getting more important in accordance with longer life span and that a fair proportion of LPR patients do not respond to conventional therapy, researches on pathogenesis and pathophysiology of treatment measures are necessary and it is anticipated for more and more researchers to concern themselves in basic research on LPR in the future.