Laryngopharyngeal reflux is commonly encountered in the ENT out-patient setting. It leads to impaired sensory capacity of the laryngeal mucosa. The sensory integrity of the laryngopharynx can be evaluated through endoscopic administration of pulsed air, which stimulates the laryngeal adductor reflex. The pressure of air needed to elicit this reflex indicates the degree of sensory impairment. Such laryngeal sensory testing gives a quantifiable means of assessment in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux, and can be used to measure the response to treatment. Laryngeal sensory testing is safe and well tolerated by patients.

A lectin histochemistry study was performed in the supraglottic and subglottic regions of 10 hamsters. The submucosal glands were observed by light microscopy. The supraglottic submucosal glands presented numerous mucous tubules but on the other hand, the subglottic submucosal glands had serous tubules which finished at the distal portion in serous acini. The results suggest that the distribution of fucosylatedmucin and serum-type glycloproteins between the supra- and subglottic submucosal glands suggest a different viscosity and function of the mucus.