American Board Of Family Medicine (ABFM) ITE Practice Test

Reducing acid exposure is the key to improving chronic laryngitis caused by reflux. When stomach acid refluxes up to the larynx, it irritates the vocal cords and surrounding tissues, leading to persistent hoarseness, throat clearing, and irritation. Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, block the final step of acid production in the stomach, decreasing overall acid in the refluxate. With less acid contact, the laryngeal mucosa can heal, and symptoms improve. This directly targets the underlying cause rather than trying to treat infection or allergic inflammation. Antibiotics would not help because there is no bacterial infection. Antihistamines address allergy symptoms and won’t resolve acid-induced irritation. Steroids don’t treat the reflux itself and aren’t the standard approach for reflux-related laryngitis.