English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a common clinical condition encountered in Otolaryngology practice. It is one of the major causes of laryngeal inflammation. It presents with a constellation of symptoms making the diagnosis difficult. Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux Finding Score are two tools which aid in diagnosis of Laryngopharyngeal reflux. The main objective of this study was to study the agent, host and environment factors of epidemiology of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease using Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux Finding Score. METHODS A descriptive study was conducted on 100 patients attending the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Thrissur, Kerala. The study period was for one year from December 2017 to December 2018. Demographic data of the patients was recorded, and patients were evaluated for Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease using Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux Finding Score using 70 degree / flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy. The clinical data collected was then tabulated and analysed. RESULTS From the study conducted in 100 patients, 59 % were females and 41 % males. Most common symptom noted was frequent clearing of throat which was present in 88 % cases. Least frequent symptom was choking episode (in 5 %). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease was commonest in the 31 to 40 years age group with mean age was 37.8 ± 2.35 years. The male to female ratio were 1:1.43. The disease was common in labourers and housewives. Risk factors were consumption of tea/coffee, inadequate sleep of less than 6 hrs. Lower socioeconomic group populations were more vulnerable than higher income group. The RSI score was between 13 and 15 in 53 % of the patients. KEYWORDS Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, Reflux Symptom Index, Reflux Finding Score