Halitosis associated volatile sulphur compound levels in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Previous reports have suggested that laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) may cause halitosis. However, it remains unclear if LPR is a risk factor for halitosis. The aim of this study was to investigate if patients diagnosed with LPR have an increased probability of halitosis compared to a normal population. Fifty-eight patients complaining of LPR symptoms and 35 healthy subjects were included in the study. A LPR diagnosis was made using an ambulatory 24-h double pH-probe monitor, which is the gold standard diagnostic tool for LPR. Additionally, halitosis was evaluated by measuring the levels of volatile sulphur compounds using OralChroma™ and an organoleptic test score. The result of the final diagnosis of the 58 patients after the 24 h ambulatory pH monitoring was that 42 patients had LPR. Significant correlations were observed between the organoleptic test score and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) levels. These were also significantly correlated with LPR. We found a strong positive association between LPR and volatile sulphur compound levels. The H2S and CH3SH levels differed significantly between the LPR and control groups (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Halitosis was significantly associated with the occurrence and severity of LPR. The present study provides clear evidence for an association between halitosis and LPR. Halitosis has a high frequency in patients with LPR and reflux characteristics are directly related to their severity and therefore could be considered as a manifestation of LPR.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux and Helicobacter pylori.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) occurs when gastric contents pass the upper esophageal sphincter, causing symptoms such as hoarseness, sore throat, coughing, excess throat mucus, and globus. The pattern of reflux is different in LPR and gastroesophageal reflux. LPR usually occurs during the daytime in the upright position whereas gastroesophageal reflux disease more often occurs in the supine position at night-time or during sleep. Ambulatory 24-h double pH-probe monitoring is the gold standard diagnostic tool for LPR. Acid suppression with proton pump inhibitor on a long-term basis is the mainstay of treatment. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is found in many sites including laryngeal mucosa and interarytenoid region. In this paper, we aim to present the relationship between LPR and H. pylori and review the current literature.