Outcomes of acid suppressive therapy in patients with posterior laryngitis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the results of acid suppressive therapy (AST) in posterior laryngitis (PL) patients with and without documented pharyngeal acid reflux (PAR). Methods: The charts of all patients with PL who received AST and who had undergone pharyngeal pH monitoring were reviewed. Results of AST in patients with PL with and without documented PAR were evaluated by laryngeal examination, symptom scores, and self-reported overall benefit. Results: Thirty-nine patients with PL had received AST and undergone pharyngeal pH monitoring. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 27 months. Laryngeal findings were improved in patients with and without PAR. Pretreatment total symptom scores were significantly greater than that of posttreatment in patients with and without documented PAR. Overall benefit from AST was reported by the majority of PL patients with and without documented PAR. Conclusion: These findings support the use of AST to reduce or eliminate signs and symptoms in PL regardless of documentation of PAR. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;124:16-22.)