Role of reflux symptom index score in diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20242705Keywords:
Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, Prevalence, Throat symptoms, Reflux symptom index, Reflux findings scoreAbstract
Background: The retrograde flow of gastric contents to the upper aero digestive tract is known as laryngo pharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD). Diet and lifestyle play a huge role in the pathophysiology of LPR.
Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study in the Department of ENT, KMCT, Kozhikode. 291 Patients were selected from those who presented to the OPD with throat symptoms who scored >10 in a questionnaire (Reflux symptom Index) that was provided and were advised to undergo video laryngoscopy and their reflux finding score (RSI)was calculated. LPRD prevalence, RSI/Reflux Findings Score (RFS) correlations, and clinical/ laryngoscopic (video laryngoscopy) associations were analyzed.
Results: LPRD prevalence was 68.7%, higher in females (60.1%) and the 41-50 age group (31.3%). Increased spicy food/caffeine intake and shorter dinner-bedtime intervals were significantly associated. Heartburn/indigestion was the most common symptom, with RSI mean 12.94±2.26. Erythema/hyperaemia was the most frequent laryngeal finding, with RFS mean 8.47±2.40. RSI and RFS scores significantly correlated.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates a high LPRD prevalence among patients with throat symptoms, particularly in females aged 41-50 and influenced by dietary/lifestyle factors. RSI effectively identified LPRD in this resource-constrained setting, highlighting its diagnostic value. These findings provide valuable insights for managing and further investigating LPRD.
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