Which statement is true about GERD and LPRD?

• A. GERD primarily affects the esophagus and causes heartburn; LPRD reaches the larynx and throat with possible throat symptoms.
• B. GERD and LPRD both only affect the stomach.
• C. LPRD never involves the larynx.
• D. GERD always presents with throat symptoms but not heartburn.

Answer: (A)

GERD and LPRD involve reflux that affects different parts of the upper digestive tract, leading to different symptom patterns. GERD mainly irritates the esophagus and typical heartburn is common, reflecting its esophageal location. LPRD refluxes higher up to the larynx and pharynx, producing throat-related symptoms like hoarseness, throat clearing, chronic cough, and sore throat. A statement that links GERD with the esophagus and heartburn, and LPRD with the larynx and throat symptoms, accurately captures these distinct patterns. The other ideas aren’t correct because reflux isn’t limited to the stomach, LPRD can involve the larynx, and GERD does not always present with throat symptoms while often including heartburn.