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Proteomic assay of upper airway secretions in diagnosing aetiology of inflammatory laryngeal disease
Patients with throat symptoms such as voice disturbance, cough or a sensation of a 'lump in the throat' are often challenging to manage, due to difficulties diagnosing various causes of upper airway inflammation. Often patients trial various treatments related to infection, allergy, mechanical trauma such as heavy voice use and finally, acid reflux to no avail. Even after review by an ear, nose and throat specialist the diagnosis and its cause may be elusive. This project aims to obtain samples from the upper airway of participants presenting with throat problems and test them using a unique method which analyses a multitude of proteins in a rapid and cost-effective manner, to potentially differentiate between these various diagnoses. Translating this into practice, it may allow the general ENT surgeon or even general practitioner to diagnoses and treat a patient's condition at point of care without uncomfortable or expensive investigations.