A New Risk of Using Alkaline Drops in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

J Voice. 2023 Sep;37(5):801.e1-801.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.04.007. Epub 2021 Jun 20.

Abstract

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is common in the otolaryngologist's office, and a multimodal treatment regimen is employed often. Counseling patients on lifestyle modifications is important. Alkaline water consumption has been recommended as a nonmedical "antacid" for its value in deactivating pepsin, a proteolytic enzyme responsible for laryngeal tissue inflammatory changes in LPR. Alkaline water can be found as premade bottled water, or it can be made at home by titrating regular-pH water with concentrated alkaline drops. We present a patient who mistakenly instilled the alkaline drops into her eye, causing alkali-related chemical burns to the sclera and cornea, which subsequently resulted in scar.

Keywords: Alkaline drops; Alkaline water; Eye trauma; Laryngopharyngeal reflux; Lifestyle modifications; Pepsin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laryngopharyngeal Reflux* / diagnosis
  • Larynx*
  • Pepsin A
  • Saliva
  • Water

Substances

  • Pepsin A
  • Water