Purpose of This Resource
This toolkit is designed for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to use with patients who may be experiencing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). It simplifies medical information into accessible, patient-friendly language while maintaining clinical accuracy.
Why It Matters
Reflux is one of the most common medical problems affecting the voice. Because symptoms can be “classic” (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain) or “silent” (hoarseness, throat clearing, chronic cough, globus sensation), SLPs are often the first professionals to suspect reflux as a contributing factor in dysphonia or throat complaints.
This resource provides:
A clear explanation of reflux and how it affects the voice
Symptom checklists patients can relate to
Diagnostic overview including critical pH values and reflux episode thresholds
Treatment comparisons (which techniques work best for GER vs LPR)
What’s Included
A 3-page patient-friendly handout that explains reflux and how it affects the voice
A 1-page patient-friendly explanation of the Bravo pH test
A weekly reflux tracker to support patient awareness and accountability
How to Use
Provide as a standalone educational handout during evaluation or therapy.
Use alongside counseling to explain reflux-related voice changes.
Encourage patients to use the symptom tracker to identify triggers and track progress.
This handout supports evidence-based voice care and helps patients understand the importance of lifestyle, medical, and behavioral management of reflux.
Important Note
This handout is a clinical support tool, not a diagnostic instrument. While it highlights symptoms of GERD & LPR, patients with suspected reflux should always be referred for diagnostics with a medical provider (e.g., ENT, GI).
Purpose of This Resource
This toolkit is designed for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to use with patients who may be experiencing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). It simplifies medical information into accessible, patient-friendly language while maintaining clinical accuracy.
Why It Matters
Reflux is one of the most common medical problems affecting the voice. Because symptoms can be “classic” (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain) or “silent” (hoarseness, throat clearing, chronic cough, globus sensation), SLPs are often the first professionals to suspect reflux as a contributing factor in dysphonia or throat complaints.
This resource provides:
A clear explanation of reflux and how it affects the voice
Symptom checklists patients can relate to
Diagnostic overview including critical pH values and reflux episode thresholds
Treatment comparisons (which techniques work best for GER vs LPR)
What’s Included
A 3-page patient-friendly handout that explains reflux and how it affects the voice
A 1-page patient-friendly explanation of the Bravo pH test
A weekly reflux tracker to support patient awareness and accountability
How to Use
Provide as a standalone educational handout during evaluation or therapy.
Use alongside counseling to explain reflux-related voice changes.
Encourage patients to use the symptom tracker to identify triggers and track progress.
This handout supports evidence-based voice care and helps patients understand the importance of lifestyle, medical, and behavioral management of reflux.
Important Note
This handout is a clinical support tool, not a diagnostic instrument. While it highlights symptoms of GERD & LPR, patients with suspected reflux should always be referred for diagnostics with a medical provider (e.g., ENT, GI).
