Allergy and laryngeal disorders

Purpose of review: This article reviews recent literature on the topic of allergic laryngitis. There has been sustained interest over the past 15 years and epidemiological and experimental studies have led to a clearer description of the nature of the condition and its clinical expression. Recent findings: Recent studies have suggested an epidemiological association between the presence of allergy and concurrent laryngeal symptoms and objective signs. Both population-based studies and smaller investigations have shown a significant relationship between these two variables. In addition, recent studies have questioned the inter-rater reliability and specificity of laryngeal endoscopic examinations, which have often been used to assign a presumptive diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux. The presence of sticky, viscid, thick endolaryngeal secretions, however, appears to be associated with allergic laryngitis, confirming prior observations. Experimental interventions in both laboratory animals and humans suggest that there may be a direct causal relationship for an allergic cause, at least among some individuals. Summary: Epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests that allergy may be a valid trigger and causative mechanism in some individuals with laryngeal inflammation and symptomatology. Additional research is necessary to further characterize allergic laryngitis and to develop valid diagnostic protocols for assessment.

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