An effective screening tool for pharyngeal contamination and aspiration in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition which may be asymptomatic and progress to laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and lung aspiration of refluxate.
Patients may not have symptoms of GORD but will present with typical upper respiratory tract symptoms such as chronic cough, dysphonia and globus.
A high clinical index of suspicion is necessary to associate these symptoms with GORD. Scintigraphy provides an effective screening tool for both LPR and lung aspiration.
Test Indications
- unexplained cough (often chronic)
- change in voice/hoarseness
- recurrent sinusitis and middle ear infections
- recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia
- adult onset asthma that is unresponsive to therapy
- sore throat or constant throat clearing
- chest pain
The 'Van der Wall' Technique
The appealing point of difference of our Gastroesophageal Reflux Test in comparison to other reflux investigations is the method and accuracy in which patient results are extractedand interpreted.
Our Nuclear Medicine Physician, Dr Hans Van der Wall, has developed a patented software to effectively indicate the severity of the GORD and the likely outcome of laparoscopicanti-reflux surgery with the intention to almost negate the risk of an unsuccessful surgery entirely.
identified throughout LPR, nasopharynx and
eustachian tubes
Extraesophageal effects of GORD
Reflux fluid may contaminate the maxillary sinuses, throat, middle ears and laryngopharynx. It may also contaminate the airways and lungs causing asthma-like symptoms and recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia.
