In spite of the great enthusiasm wakened up by the progress of the concepts of the denominated syndrome of the larygopharyngeous reflux (LFR), it is still difficult for the otorrinolaringologist to establish with safety if this illness can be considered in the future as a disease similar to the gastro esophageal reflux. The inflammatory signs in the segment, found in some patient that present phmetry with pH below 4 in the proximal probe can be found in other situations aggressive to the area, not being, therefore, patognomonic of LFR. The conditions of saliva, the volume, clearence and alterations of the eletrolitic conditions can influence the capacity of protection of the regional mucous membrane. AIM: To observe the relationship between the inflammatory symptoms and the pH and volume of saliva. STUDY DESIGN: Observacional cohort with transversal cut. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 59 subjects were studied, with ages varying from 24 to 76 years, with average 50,5 years, being 44 women and 15 men. All the patients answered to a questionnaire on laryngopharyngeous symptoms and they had his/her saliva collected and measured its volume and pH. RESULTS: The median volume of saliva collected in the patients was 4,3 ml, with the minimum of 1,5 and a maximum of 7,5. The median pH was of 7,1, extending from 6 to 8. Of the total of symptoms 31 patients presented dysphonia, 39 throat clearing, 2 dyspnea, 24 halitosis, 4 caseum, 4 recurrent tonsillitis, 6 teeth and gingival problems, 9 oral ulcers, 6 xerostomia, 12 glossodynia, 36 globus pharingeus, 2 odinophagia and 8 dysphagia. The several correlations among pH, volume to salivate and symptoms were observed showing, in some cases, strong positive or negative correlation. CONCLUSION: The pH of saliva, in the dependence of its volume can have strong interference in the laryngopharyngeous inflammatory symptoms.
laryngitis; saliva; diagnosis; pH; volume
