Management of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease in Singers: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Singers are regarded as exceptional vocal performers. Vocal abnormalities in singers are not uncommon. Any disturbance in voice quality can negatively impact singers’ professional careers and business profits. Voice change, voice fatigue, and difficulty in singing higher pitches are major complaints of singers. Many singers experienced laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD), muscle tension dysphonia, and chronic laryngitis. LPRD is a clinical condition associated with laryngeal inflammation leading to the onset of voice disorders. Professionals like singers are usually predisposed to the development of LPRD. The occurrence of LPRD in professionals like singers can have a profound impact on their professional lives. Vocal hygiene is considered an important part of vocal rehabilitation. In the case of professionals such as singers, it is imperative to provide awareness for proper vocal hygiene to prevent lifestyle changes such as abusive behaviors and other harmful habits that can result in functional vocal pathologies. To date, there are several controversies exist about diagnosis and treatment of LPRD. Proton pump inhibitors are prescribed to treat LPRD in combination with maintaining proper vocal hygiene. This review aims to discuss the current management of LPRD among singers.