The clinical significance of laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Background: Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is closely associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), clinical significance of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is not yet elucidated in COPD. Methods: Prospective cohort was established among the 118 patients with COPD from March 2013 to July 2014. Thirty two age- and sex-matched normal controls, who had routine health check-up during study period were included. Laryngopharyngeal reflux finding score (RFS) and reflux symptom index (RSI) for LPR were subjected into association analysis with severity and acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) during 1-year follow-up. Results: Mean age was 69.2 (±8.8) years old and male occupied 93.2%. Mean follow-up duration was 14.3 (±5.4) months. Mean FEV1 predicted was 53.1 (±18.4) %. Positive RFS (>7) and RSI (>13) were observed in 51 (42.5%) and 6 patients (5.0%). RFS and RSI were significantly higher in patients with COPD than normal controls (p Conclusions: Besides prevalence of LPR was high in patients with COPD, RFS and RSI for LPR was a significant risk factor for AECOPD. Laryngeal examination may be a clinical indicator related to AECOPD and further studies on LPR in COPD patients should be considered.