Assessing Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Symptoms with the Reflux Symptom Index

2011 ◽  
Vol 145 (6) ◽  
pp. 974-980 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athanasia Printza ◽  
Athanassios Kyrgidis ◽  
Eirini Oikonomidou ◽  
Stefanos Triaridis

Objective. To validate the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) in Greek patients and estimate the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms in the Greek population. Study Design. Prospective, controlled validation study. Setting. Tertiary referral hospital and primary care. Subjects and Methods. For validation purposes, the instrument was administered to 53 patients with confirmed LPR. Sex- and age-matched controls with no LPR or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms presenting in a primary care setting composed the control group. Reliability and construct validity were statistically appraised. Using the RSI, the authors estimated the prevalence of LPR in a randomly selected sample of the Greek adult population. Results. The mean (SD) RSI score of the 172 sex- and age-matched controls was 3.2 (3.5). The mean (SD) RSI score of the 53 confirmed LPR patients was 19.9 (6.8). Cronbach α was 0.865. Factor analysis verified that the RSI instrument consists of 2 principal factors. To estimate the prevalence of LPR, a representative sample of the Greek adult population (188 subjects) completed the RSI questionnaire: 36.3% were male, and 29.6% were smokers. Mean (SD) age was 53.4 (17.7) years. The instrument was able to discriminate 16 patients with LPR symptoms with a mean (SD) score of 18.91 (6.39). Conclusion. The authors evaluated the internal consistency, reliability, and construct validity of the RSI for the Greek population. Factor analysis of the Greek translation of the RSI demonstrated that it can be a reliable tool in the diagnostic approach of LPR patients. Using the RSI, the authors recorded that the prevalence of LPR in a representative sample of the Greek population is 8.5%.

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajesh Vishwakarma ◽  
Ruta V Shah

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with laryngeal complaints and study the correlation between reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS). Materials and methods This is a study of 104 patients, who presented in the ear, nose, and throat outpatient department at the Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, India, from April 2015 to April 2016, with complaints like change of voice, chronic cough, foreign body sensation, throat clearing, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation. All the patients were examined with 90° endoscope by a single examiner, and an RSI ≥13 was considered as indicative of reflux. Observation and discussion The mean age of the 104 patients was 47.2 years. The male-female ratio was 1:1.8. The RSI ranged from 5 to 44, with a mean of 22.99 and standard deviation (SD) of 7.43. The RFS ranged from 4 to 22, with a mean of 11.04 and SD of 3.07. Both the parameters showed high correlation (correlation coefficient 0.98). Conclusion The LPR plays an important contributory role in patients with laryngeal complaints. The RFS and RSI can be used as routine parameters in establishing the diagnosis of reflux. How to cite this article Shah RV, Vishwakarma R. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: Is It the Real Culprit in Patients with Laryngeal Complaints? Int J Phonosurg Laryngol 2017; 7(1):6-9.


Author(s):  
Ameer Kakaje ◽  
Mohammad Marwan Alhalabi ◽  
Ayham Alyousbashi ◽  
Aya Hamid ◽  
Yousef Mahmoud

Abstract Backgrounds: Syria has entered its ninth year of conflict and as its medical sector facing major hurdles, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is often overlooked although it has an association with worsening quality of life and affecting many aspects as it is chronic and left untreated although it can lead to many complications such as dysphonia. This study is to evaluate LPR prevalence and its association with different aspects such as cigarette, and shisha smoking, and the effect of war on LPR.Methods: Cross-sectional study by using online questionnaires that included demographics, smoking, war related questions and reflux symptom index (RSI) were used online in many cities around Syria.Findings: This research included 734 responders with 75.5% being female and the mean age being 23.97 years. 31.9% of subjects had symptoms suggestive of LPR. Participants were Syrians and we included every responder who agreed and did not neglect any question. We only found that being distressed from war noises was associated with positive LPR symptoms [P=0.009 (OR, 1.562; 95% CI 1.117-2.183)], but losing someone or changing place of living due to war were not associated with LPR. LPR was associated with cigarette smoking (P<0.05). Finally, having asthma, and male gender in the younger population were associated with LPR (P<0.05). No clear association with age, or shisha and no significant associations were found with consanguinity, marital status, educational level and SES.Interpretations: About one third had LPR symptoms. War distress from war noise, cigarette smoking, asthma, and allergic were significantly correlated with LPR.


Author(s):  
Manoj Kumar L. ◽  
Anand K. H. ◽  
Raadhika Shree N.

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease is an under diagnosed condition due to unavailability of the diagnostic tool that is dual probe pH monitoring and is on the rise in adult population according to El Serag by 4% every year since 1976.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Adult patients coming to the outpatient department between April 2017 to April 2018 were evaluated using reflux symptom index score (RSI). Score greater than 13 were suggestive of laryngopharyngeal reflux and patients underwent 24 hours ambulatory dual probe pH monitoring. 7 or more reflux events in study period were diagnostic of laryngopharygeal reflux.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> 3000 adult patients were screened for RSI and 1756 (58.3%) had scored greater than 13. Among these patients 893 patients had 7 or more reflux events in pH monitoring. We found a prevalence of 29.76% in our study population.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Prevalence laryngopharyngeal reflux disease needs to assess periodically at regular intervals to create more awareness of the disease and patient education thus preventing from causing chronic illnesses.</p><p class="abstract"> </p>


2005 ◽  
Vol 133 (4) ◽  
pp. 505-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.D. Karkos ◽  
L. Thomas ◽  
R.H. Temple ◽  
W.J. Issing

OBJECTIVE: Patients with acid reflux can occasionally present with atypical symptoms such as globus pharyngeus, constant throat clearing, chronic cough, hoarseness, catarrh, choking episodes or asthma-like symptoms. The aim of this survey was to determine whether general practitioners are aware of the atypical manifestations of reflux and the differences in treatment between laryngopharyngeal reflux and gastroesophageal reflux. DESIGN: Questionnaire Survey. SETTING: Primary Care RESULTS: One hundred and sixty general practitioners who routinely refer patients to our Department of Otolaryngology were selected and a postal survey was conducted. One hundred and fifty of these responded (94% response rate). The commonest symptoms for which proton pump inhibitors are prescribed are heartburn (65%), followed by a combination of heartburn and other symptoms (15%), chronic cough (4%), choking episodes (4%), asthmalike symptoms (3%), hoarseness (2%), globus (2%), catarrh (1%), dysphagia (1.5%), frequent throat clearing (1.5%), halitosis and/or bitter taste (1%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the majority of the general practitioners surveyed are unaware of the entity laryngopharyngeal reflux or reflux symptom index. More awareness is required in the primary care setting for early recognition of patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux.


2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-118
Author(s):  
Janet A Wilson ◽  
Deborah D Stocken ◽  
Gillian C Watson ◽  
Tony Fouweather ◽  
Julian McGlashan ◽  
...  

Background Persistent throat symptoms are commonly attributed to ‘laryngopharyngeal reflux’. Despite a limited evidence base, these symptoms are increasingly being treated in primary care with proton pump inhibitors. Objective To assess the value of proton pump inhibitor therapy in patients with persistent throat symptoms. Design This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised Phase III trial. Setting This was a multicentre UK trial in eight UK ear, nose and throat departments. Participants A total of 346 participants aged ≥ 18 years with persistent throat symptoms and a Reflux Symptom Index score of ≥ 10, exclusive of the dyspepsia item, were recruited. Intervention Random allocation (1 : 1 ratio) to either 30 mg of lansoprazole twice daily or matched placebo for 16 weeks. Main outcome measure Symptomatic response (i.e. total Reflux Symptom Index score after 16 weeks of therapy). Results A total of 1427 patients were screened and 346 were randomised. The mean age was 52 years (standard deviation 13.7 years, range 20–84 years); 150 (43%) participants were male and 196 (57%) were female; 184 (53%) participants had a mild Reflux Symptom Index minus the heartburn/dyspepsia item and 162 (47%) had a severe Reflux Symptom Index minus the heartburn/dyspepsia item. A total of 172 patients were randomised to lansoprazole and 174 were randomised to placebo. Main outcomes A total of 267 participants completed the primary end-point visit (lansoprazole, n = 127; placebo, n = 140), of whom 220 did so between 14 and 20 weeks post randomisation (‘compliant’ group); 102 received lansoprazole and 118 received placebo. The mean Reflux Symptom Index scores at baseline were similar [lansoprazole 22.0 (standard deviation 8.0), placebo 21.7 (standard deviation 7.1), overall 21.9 (standard deviation 7.5)]. The mean Reflux Symptom Index scores at 16 weeks reduced from baseline in both groups [overall 17.4 (standard deviation 9.9), lansoprazole 17.4 (standard deviation 9.9), placebo 15.6 (standard deviation 9.8)]. Lansoprazole participants had estimated Reflux Symptom Index scores at 16 weeks that were 1.9 points higher (worse) than those of placebo participants (95% confidence interval –0.3 to 4.2; p adj = 0.096), adjusted for site and baseline severity. Secondary outcomes Ninety-five (43%) participants achieved a Reflux Symptom Index score in the normal range (< 12) at 16 weeks: 42 (41%) in the lansoprazole group and 53 (45%) in the placebo group. A total of 226 participants completed the end-of-trial follow-up visit (lansoprazole, n = 109; placebo, n = 117), of whom 181 were ‘compliant’. The mean Reflux Symptom Index scores at 12 months reduced from baseline in both groups [lansoprazole 16.0 (standard deviation 10.8), placebo 13.6 (standard deviation 9.6), overall 14.7 (standard deviation 10.2)]. A total of 87 (48%) participants achieved a Reflux Symptom Index score in the normal range at 12 months: 33 (40%) in the lansoprazole group and 54 (55%) in the placebo group. Likewise, the Comprehensive Reflux Symptom Score and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux – Health Related Quality of Life total scores and subscales all showed very similar changes in the lansoprazole and placebo cohorts at both 16 weeks and 12 months. Limitations Drop-out rate and compliance are issues in pragmatic clinical trials. The Trial Of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Throat Symptoms (TOPPITS) aimed to detect clinically relevant difference with 90% power. The 346 randomised participants reduced to 283 at the primary end point; 267 completed the primary outcome measure, 220 within the protocol time scale. Despite this, the powers to detect the clinically relevant difference in Reflux Symptom Index score at 16 weeks were 82% (compliant comparison) and 89% (pragmatic comparison). The lack of difference between lansoprazole and placebo is generalisable across NHS clinics. Conclusions Participants on lansoprazole did not report significantly better outcomes than participants on placebo on any of the three patient-reported outcome tools (Reflux Symptom Index, Comprehensive Reflux Symptom Score and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux – Health Related Quality of Life). This multicentre, pragmatic, powered, definitive Phase III trial found no evidence of benefit for patients by treating persistent throat symptoms with lansoprazole. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN38578686 and EudraCT number 2013-004249-17. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 3. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.


Author(s):  
Raj Tajamul Hussain ◽  
Owais Makhdoomi ◽  
Showkat Ahmad Showkat

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> We sought to evaluate the combination of high-dose prebreakfast proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (40 mg pantoprazole) and a bedtime high-dose ranitidine (300 mg) dosing as a surrogate and rational regimen for LPR.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 60 subjects that presented to ENT and HNS OPD with symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) were prospectively evaluated and underwent a comprehensive otolaryngological examination. All subjects were treated sequentially and outcomes recorded using reflux finding score (RFS) and reflux symptom index (RSI).  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The mean age of the cohort was 35±06.51 (age range, 8-55). Mean RSI of all patients was 24.8 before treatment with combination of PPIs and H2 receptor antagonists. Significant change in RSI were observed after the first 8 weeks of therapy and no further significant changes were observed over the next 16 weeks. Mean RFS of the patients was 12 before starting the treatment and there was a significant response in mean RFS at 16 weeks of therapy.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> A surrogate high-dose prebreakfast PPI (40 mg pantoprazole) and a bedtime high-dose ranitidine (300 mg) dosing regimen is effective in improving RSI and RFS in majority of cases who present with LPR.</p><p class="abstract"> </p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameer Kakaje ◽  
Mohammad Marwan Alhalabi ◽  
Ayham Alyousbashi ◽  
Ayham Ghareeb

AbstractAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a common medical condition worldwide. It is an inflammation in the nasal mucosa due to allergen exposure throughout the year. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is another medical condition that can overlap with AR. LPR can be considered an extra oesophageal manifestation of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or a different entity. Its diagnosis imposes a real challenge as it has a wide range of unspecific symptoms. Although AR and LPR are not life-threatening, they can severely affect the quality of life for years and cause substantial distress. Moreover, having AR is associated with having asthma which is also in turn associated with GORD. This is a cross-sectional study which used surveys distributed online on Social Media and targeted people across Syria. All participants who responded to the key questions were included. Reflux symptom index (RSI) was used for LPR, and score for allergic rhinitis (SFAR) was used for AR. Demographic questions and whether the participant had asthma were also included in the survey. We found that there was an association between the symptoms of LPR and AR p < 0.0001 (OR, 2.592; 95% CI 1.846–3.639), and their scores were significantly correlated (r = 0.334). Having asthma was associated with LPR symptoms p = 0.0002 (OR 3.096; 95% CI 1.665–5.759) and AR p < 0.0001 (OR 6.772; 95% CI 2.823–16.248). We concluded that there was a significant association between having LPR, AR, and asthma. We need more studies to distinguish between their common symptoms and aetiologies.


Author(s):  
Feng Pei ◽  
Wei Jia Hu ◽  
Yi Nan Mao ◽  
Yu Liang Zhao

Background:To explore whether combined with TCM based on classical proton pumpinhibitors PPIs therapy can achieve better efficacy for patients withlaryngopharyngeal reflux disease. Methods: There were 150 laryngopharyngeal refluxpatients enrolled and divided into three groups randomly, with 50 cases in each group.Patients in group A were treated with the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) lansoprazole.Patients in group B were treated with lansoprazole combined with Banxia Houpudecoction, and patients in group C were treated with acupuncture treatments and acombination of Chinese and Western medicine. The reflux symptom index (RSI), refluxfinding score (RFS), and quality of life (36 item short form health survey questionnaire)were assessed before and 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Results: The RSI and RFSscores of the three groups were significantly reduced after treatment (P < 0.001). Ingroup B and C, they were lower than in group A at 8 weeks (P < 0.01). The SF 36 scoreof 3 groups increased after treatment. At both 4 and 8 weeks (P < 0.001), and patientsin groups B and C scored higher than patients in group A (P < 0.001). The total effectiverate of group B and group C was higher than that of group A (P < 0.05). Conclusion:All three treatments have therapeutic effects on the disease, but the efficacy of a PPIalone is not as good as the combined treatments’ efficacies. Moreover, PPI combinedwith Banxia Houpu decoction and/or acupuncture treatment substantially affects lifeimprovement.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nu-Ri Im ◽  
Byoungjae Kim ◽  
Kwang-Yoon Jung ◽  
Seung-Kuk Baek

Abstract Introduction Several diagnostic methods are currently being used to diagnose LPRD (laryngopharyngeal reflux disease), but have the disadvantage of being invasive, subjective, or expensive. Objectives Our purpose in this study was to investigate the correlation between pepsin and MMP-7 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-7) in pharyngeal secretions of subjects according to RSI (Reflux Symptom Index) score to find out the diagnostic value of MMP-7. Method We recruited 173 subjects aged between 19 and 85 years who completed the RSI scale. All samples were taken after waking up, and the amount of the pepsin and MMP-7 in saliva were measured by means of an enzyme activity assay. Results There was a significant increase of pepsin and MMP-7 activity in the study group with an RSI score of 13 or higher. The sensitivity and specificity of MMP-7 for predicting the possibility of an RSI of 13 or more was higher than that of pepsin. When MMP-7 and pepsin were combined, this sensitivity and specificity increased. Conclusion An enzyme assay of MMP-7 in saliva may be a noninvasive and easy technique for diagnosing LPRD.


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