Reflux Finding Score and Reflux Symptom Index Potential Indicators for Diagnosis and Management of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease.

Abstract

Retrograde movement of gastric contents into the pharynx is termed Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). It represents an extraesophageal manifestation associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The objective of the study is to investigate the clinical profile of LPR and its response to treatment. Three hundred consecutive patients who presented to the ENT outpatient department with a clinical profile of LPR were selected. The patients' symptoms were assessed using the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), followed by an endoscopic examination of the larynx and scoring using the Reflux Finding Score (RFS). Patients were started on LPR treatment if they had an RSI score of 13 and an RFS of more than 7. The patients were then started on medication and monitored for three months. The most common symptom in our research sample (52%) was a foreign body sensation in the throat. On endoscopic examination of the larynx, the most common sign was hyperemia/erythema of laryngeal tissue, especially bilateral arytenoids. Most of our patients responded favorably to a combination of pantoprazole (40mg) and domperidone (30mg) for 4 weeks. This was measured by the reduction in RSI and RFS scores. LPR is a frequently encountered clinical entity, and otorhinolaryngologists should consider it when treating patients with chronic symptoms such as throat pain and voice changes. Appropriate LPR diagnosis and care can help prevent unnecessary prescriptions for antibiotics and surgical interventions in these patients.