The Differential Effect of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease on Mechanostimulation and Chemostimulation of the Laryngopharynx.

The article discusses a study comparing laryngo-hypopharyngeal thresholds to chemostimulation in those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and to find out to what extent they respond to mechanical and chemical stimulation. Researchers compared 48 patients diagnosed with GERD to 18 GERD-free control subjects. Both groups were subjected to both forms of stimulation. It concluded that those with GERD have higher thresholds to mechanical stimulation than those without, and lower ones to chemostimulation.