Salivary Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) Concentration Before and After Treatment of Reflux Laryngitis

* Saliva plays a key role in the homeostasis of the digestive tract * The reflux of gastroesophageal contents may cause damage to the esophageal, laryngeal and pharyngeal mucosas * There seems to be no correlation between the severity of reflux episodes and the intensity of inflammatory changes, suggesting individual protective mechanisms to refluxate exposure * Inorganic and Organic Salivary changes have been associated to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and its supraesophageal manifestations, especially reflux laryngitis (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux- LPR) * Decreased salivary Epidermal Growth factor (EGF) concentrations have been found in patients with GERD and LPR, but it is unclear if these are primary or secondary to the disease. * Hypothesis: The decreased salivary EGF concentrations in patients with reflux laryngitis is primary and therefore would not change after treatment and control of the disease