The irritable larynx syndrome as a central sensitivity syndrome

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for irritable larynx syndrome have a high incidence of co-morbidity with irritable bowel syndrome, fi bromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and migraine. A second goal of the study was to provide support for the hypothesis that the irritable larynx syndrome represents a central sensitivity syndrome in which laryngeal and paralaryngeal muscle systems overreact to normal sensory stimuli. One-hundred-and-ninety-fi ve consecutive patients given the diagnosis of irritable larynx syndrome between the years 2000 and 2008 were reviewed for symptom distribution, symptom triggers and treatment profi les. Co-morbidity data were recorded for psychiatric diagnoses, irritable bowel syndrome, fi bromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, chronic headache and multiple chemical sensitivity. Many patients in the group had prior or current diagnoses of depression (54%) or anxiety (38%). Other diagnoses included irritable bowel syndrome (57% of patients), fi bromyalgia (28%), chronic fatigue syndrome (42%), and chronic headache (49%). More than half of the patients reported two or more of the co-morbidities. We conclude that irritable larynx syndrome is usually seen in patients manifesting a broad picture of disorder due to central nervous system hypersensitivity. Irritable larynx symptoms in patients with central sensitivity syndrome may relate to co-existent gastroesophageal refl ux. Caregivers need to be aware of these related disorders and understand how treatment modalities are integrated.

from CASLPA, The Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

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