Dietary risk factors and therapy outcomes of swallowing-related problems in laryngopharyngeal reflux: patients\u2019 perspectives

Nesreen Fathi Mahmoud,Aliaa Abd El-Aziz Atta,Samia El-Sayed Bassiouny,Ahmed Ali Abdelmonem,Moamena Said Elhamouly

doi:10.1186/s43163-021-00131-8

Abstract

BackgroundThis was a prospective cohort that included 60 gastro-esophageal reflux disorder patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux-related symptoms (e.g., sore throat, throat clearing, globus sensation, cough, dysphonia, and dysphagia). The diagnosis was confirmed using history taking, clinical laryngoscopic examination, and upper endoscopy guided by the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI). Patients were treated with proton pump inhibitors and prokinetics for 12 weeks. The aim of the current study was to explore the dietary risk factors in laryngopharyngeal reflux patients and to assess the response to therapy on swallowing-related problems by comparing the baseline pre-treatment and post-treatment values of RSI and Dysphagia Handicap index (DHI).ResultsAnalysis of data regarding the role of diet as a risk factor for reflux revealed that 33 patients (55%) are eating meat, 56 patients (93.3%) eating fat, 45 patients (75%) eating sweet, 55 patients (91.7%) eating spicy food, 52 patients (96.7%) eating fried food, 34 patients (56.7%) drinking tea, 51 patients (85%) eating big meals, 21 patients (35%) drinking fruit juices, 54 patients (90%) eating sour foods, 51 patients (85%) eating citrus fruits, and 22 patients (36.7%) smokers. There was a statistically significant decrease in Reflux Symptom Index scores and an increase of Dysphagia Handicap Index scores after 12 weeks on proton pump inhibitors and prokinetics.ConclusionDifferent dietary factors were present in LPR patients. A short period of empiric anti-reflux treatment has a significant improving effect on Reflux Symptom Index and Dysphagia Handicap Index scores from baseline to 12 weeks post-treatment. Further research is needed to investigate longer times of treatment for the complete resolution of symptoms.

Highlights

This was a prospective cohort that included 60 gastro-esophageal reflux disorder patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux-related symptoms
The exclusion criteria were as follows: patients who were on current use of anti-reflux treatment to avoid false lower scores; pregnancy; patients diagnosed by dysphagia due to other causes, previous history of neck surgery or trauma; malignancy; history of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) radiotherapy and active asthma; and uncooperative or cognitive impaired patients
Clinical examination, and upper GIT endoscopy, all participants were diagnosed with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) disorder on top of gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD)

Summary

Introduction

This was a prospective cohort that included 60 gastro-esophageal reflux disorder patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux-related symptoms (e.g., sore throat, throat clearing, globus sensation, cough, dysphonia, and dysphagia). The diagnosis was confirmed using history taking, clinical laryngoscopic examination, and upper endoscopy guided by the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI). The aim of the current study was to explore the dietary risk factors in laryngopharyngeal reflux patients and to assess the response to therapy on swallowing-related problems by comparing the baseline pre-treatment and post-treatment values of RSI and Dysphagia Handicap index (DHI). Many clinicians rely on symptomatology evaluation and empirical treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for patients with LPR [5, 12]

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