Microbiota, Gut Health, and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease.

Abstract

Recent advances in technology have allowed examination of microbial communities in efforts to classify microbiomes of "healthy" individuals. The gut and the oral cavity have been extensively researched but the upper airway (including the pharynx and larynx) has not received the same attention. This review details the emergence of microbiota as a field of interest and reviews existing evidence supporting a relationship between microbiome alterations and laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms, as well as potential therapeutic interventions.