A lump in the throat: laryngopharyngeal reflux

### What you need to know Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a common condition accounting for approximately 10% of all “ear, nose and throat” (ENT) referrals.1 It is caused by gastric contents passing up through the oesophagus and upper oesophageal sphincter resulting in macroscopic and microscopic inflammatory changes to the upper aerodigestive mucosa.2 This most commonly leads to the sensation of a lump in the throat, termed globus pharyngeus (box 1), as well as chronic throat clearing, excessive mucus, vocal hoarseness, and cough.3 This article offers an overview of the assessment and management of LPR. Box 1 ### Globus pharyngeusRETURN TO TEXT