Treatment Of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Research Articles

Efficacy of dietary modifications and mucosal protectors in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux: a multicenter study

BackgroundLaryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is defined as an extraesophageal reflux of gastroduodenal contents to the laryngopharynx, affecting the upper aerodigestive tract. There is currently no standardized treatment protocol for LPR. The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is widely established in common practice and derives from the standard approach of using PPIs to treat patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, as PPIs may not be effective on all types of reflux, the aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary changes and mucosal protectants, alone or in combination, in LPR treatment.MethodsThis multicenter randomized controlled trial included 48 patients divided into three groups: dietary modifications only, mucosal protectors only, and a combination of both. The patients’ responses were assessed over 1 month using the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Reflux Finding Score (RFS), along with measurements of salivary and nasal pepsin concentration and rhinomanometry.ResultsSignificant improvements were observed in RSI and RFS scores across all groups. The group receiving combined dietary modifications and mucosal protectors showed the most substantial benefits. Additionally, a notable reduction in salivary and nasal pepsin concentrations and nasal resistances was observed, particularly in patients combining dietary modifications and mucosal protectors.ConclusionThe study showed that combined dietary modifications and mucosal protects strategies effectively manage LPR symptoms, offering a potential therapeutic approach.

Characteristics and Management of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in The Elderly : A Case Report

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a condition resulting from the retrograde flow of stomach acid through the distal esophagus into the laryngopharyngeal area. The prevalence of laryngo-pharyngeal reflux in the elderly population remains uncertain. Therefore, the symptoms, findings, and therapy for laryngopharyngeal reflux in the elderly require further investigation. To analyze the characteristics and management of laryngopharyngeal reflux in the elderly. A case of laryngopharyngeal reflux in a 70-year-old woman who frequently experiences sudden choking sensations is presented in this report. Other symptoms include hoarseness, a sensation of throat obstruction, and chest burning. We explored literature on laryngopharyngeal reflux in the elderly through PubMed, PMC, and Google Scholar databases to discuss the case. Laryngopharyngeal reflux in the elderly has a lower reflux symptoms index but a higher reflux finding score. Mental health factors significantly influence laryngopharyngeal reflux incidence in the elderly. Therefore, besides pharmaco-logical therapy, additional non-pharmacological therapies need to be considered to ensure effective laryngopharyngeal reflux treatment. Elderly patients diagnosed with laryngopharyngeal reflux have different presentations and management of the disease compared with younger patients.

Usefulness of the Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux Finding Score in the Management of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) refers to a condition in which gastroduodenal contents reflux back into the oesophagus and affects the throat, specifically the laryngopharynx. A wide variety of symptoms have been attributed to LPR. To minimize the underdiagnosis, Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) with the Reflux Finding Score(RFS) are useful in ENT practice. LPR treatment typically entails an intensive strategy, applied over an extended period of time, combined with dietary adjustments, exercise, weight loss and lifestyle changes. To study the usefulness of Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux Finding Score in the management of LPR. This study was a descriptive study conducted in the Department of ENT, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore from February 2021 to August 2022. This study included 90 patients who were diagnosed to have LPR attending the ENT OPD at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore and attached hospitals. All patients were subjected to detailed history taking using RSI, thorough clinical examination and laryngoscopic examination using RFS and necessary investigation was done. They were treated with proton pump inhibitors and prokinetic drugs and followed up regularly. Treatment was stopped after 6 months to prevent long-term adverse. Our study recruited 90 patients who were diagnosed to have LPR of which 55 were male and 35 female. Most of them were 41-50 years of age. Throat clearing was found to be the most common symptom and erythema/ hyperaemia of larynx was the most common sign. It was found that median RSI score was highest at baseline (13) and lowest 2 months (2) with no RSI score at 3 and 6 months. The median RFS scores was highest at baseline (8) and lowest after 2 months (1) with no RFS score at 3rd and 6th months. The difference was statistically significant. Major improvement in symptoms was seen after 2nd month and major improvement in laryngoscopic signs was seen after 1st month. RSI and RFS are useful diagnostic tools in identifying patients with LPR. It helps in assessing response to treatment during their follow up. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors and prokinetic drugs along with strict dietary modification, stress management and regularization of life style has to be followed for a duration of 6 months with regular follow up for complete resolution of signs and symptoms.

Salivary pepsin testing for laryngopharyngeal reflux: will it change our management?

This review focus on the clinical value of salivary and laryngopharyngeal tissue pepsin measurement in the diagnosis and treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). A growing body of research suggests that salivary pepsin detection provides a noninvasive method for the identifying LPR occurrence. Pepsin detection testing is still variable, and an optimal method that balances utility with accuracy has not been agreed. Timing and number of test samples recommended also remains controversial, however literature indicates that increasing the number of tests over a day increases pepsin detection rate. It remains unclear whether detection of pepsin alone can be used to confirm LPR diagnosis. Pepsin positivity is correlated with improved response to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, and therefore may play a role in guiding therapeutic choices. Detection of pepsin in laryngeal tissue has the same clinical value as detection in saliva and requires further investigation to determine utility. As a noninvasive method for the diagnosis of LPR, the detection of salivary pepsin in the oropharynx shows potential clinical value, however the exact method of detection and diagnostic values are unclear. Salivary or tissue-based pepsin detection may be helpful in predicting therapeutic effects of PPI and providing personalized treatment options. The detection threshold of salivary pepsin may be different in different countries and regions. Timing and number of samples needed for detection is still controversial.

Esophageal Baseline Impedance is Associated with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Treatment Response.

To evaluate the efficacy of distal esophageal mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI), a general marker of esophageal mucosal barrier integrity, in predicting laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and symptomatic response to acid reflux therapy. This retrospective study analyzed 173 patients who presented with symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux and underwent 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) testing. Mean nocturnal baseline impedance values were calculated and assessed for their association and ability to predict LPR symptoms, MII-pH results, treatment response, and other markers of LPR. Notably, 153 of the 173 patients were tested off acid suppression medication and included in statistical analysis. Based on the MII-pH probe data, 108 (71%) patients had LPR, 8 (5%) had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and 37 (24%) were without pathologic reflux. Distal esophageal MNBI of LPR patients was significantly lower in LPR patients than patients with negative studies (1332 ± 94.8 vs. 2158 ± 173.5, p = 0.001). Among 118 patients who trialed antireflux therapy, a distal esophageal MNBI cutoff value of <1580 Ω was an independent predictor of treatment response (OR = 4.148 [1.877-9.189]). This value better predicted improvement with antireflux therapy for LPR than other objective MII-pH probe data, which were not independent predictors of treatment response. Distal esophageal MNBI values may have value in the diagnosis of LPR and potentially predict medication responsiveness in LPR patients. 3 Laryngoscope, 134:4071-4077, 2024.

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

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.

Narrative review of relationship between chronic cough and laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as a possible cause of chronic cough is known for decades. However, more than 75% of patients with extraoesophageal symptoms do not suffer from typical symptoms of GERD like pyrosis and regurgitations and have negative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. For such a condition term laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) was introduced and is used for more than two decades. Since the comprehensive information on relationship between chronic cough and LPR is missing the aim of this paper is to summarize current knowledge based on review of published information during last 13 years. Laryngopharyngeal reflux is found in 20% of patients with chronic cough. The main and recognized diagnostic method for LPR is 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring, revealing reflux episodes irritating the upper and lower respiratory tract mucosa. The treatment of LPR should be initiated with dietary and lifestyle measures, followed by proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and other measures. Despite progress, more research is needed for accurate diagnosis and targeted therapies. Key areas for exploration include biomarkers for diagnosis, the impact of non-acid reflux on symptom development, and the efficacy of new drugs. Further studies with a focused population, excluding other causes like asthma, and using new diagnostic criteria for LPR are essential. It's crucial to consider LPR as a potential cause of unexplained chronic cough and to approach diagnosis and treatment with a multidisciplinary perspective.

Tolerability and Feasibility of the Upper Esophageal Sphincter Assist Device in Preventing Acute and Chronic Allograft Rejection Among Lung Transplant Recipients.

We aimed to evaluate a novel upper esophageal sphincter (UES) assist device loaner program for the prevention of acute cellular rejection and chronic lung allograft dysfunction among lung transplant (LTx) recipients. Laryngopharyngeal reflux can lead to chronic microaspiration and LTx rejection. The UES assist device applies external pressure at the level of UES to decrease reflux. We prospectively enrolled and issued UES assist devices to consecutive transplant patients referred for gastrointestinal motility testing from 2016 to 2020. Device tolerability was defined by successful utilization as a bridge to ambulatory pH monitoring and/or antireflux procedure, or as permanent therapy. Incidence of rejection was analyzed before, during, and after device implementation. Twenty-six participants were issued devices (15 pathologic, 5 physiological, 6 unknown reflux status), none of whom developed acute rejection episodes or chronic lung allograft dysfunction while using the device. Thirteen adopted the device promptly after transplantation (mean 1.7 mo) and remained free of rejection episodes over a mean 24.7 months of follow-up. Among those with pathologic reflux, lag time to device adoption strongly correlated with the development of rejection (r=0.8, P=0.0006). There was no such correlation among those with physiological reflux. Five developed acute rejection after device return. The device was tolerated by a majority of LTx patients and appears feasible as a barrier measure in the prevention of rejection. Delayed treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux may lead to early allograft failure; therefore, the UES assist device should be given important consideration in transplant protection.

Current Treatment of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.

Objectives: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a complex syndrome characterized by the reflux of gastroduodenal contents into the pharynx or larynx, resulting in a range of symptoms, including chronic cough, throat clearing, pain, dysphagia, hoarseness, and dysphonia. Despite the lack of a gold standard for diagnosis or treatment, various strategies have been proposed to manage LPR. However, the effectiveness of these treatments is compromised by the lack of a uniform treatment protocol, which places a burden on patients, physicians, and the healthcare system. This study aims to systematically review the treatments of LPR and provide updated and useful clinical information to clinical physicians. Methods: The literature with an emphasis on LPR and related keywords is searched and reviewed in PubMed. Results: Treatment of LPR includes health education, lifestyle modification, dietary changes, medications, and surgery, as well as the emergence of a novel treatment method involving external upper esophageal sphincter compression devices. Conclusions: Currently, medication is the main treatment, supplemented with lifestyle and dietary changes, but there is still a lack of effective means for patients with drug-resistant or intolerant LPR. More high-quality and rigorous trials must continue to be conducted to determine the best treatment options and find novel treatments. Taking into account the complexity of LPR, this study proposes a simple algorithm to help clinicians with the initial management of this disease.

Assessment of the Current Knowledge and Practice of General Practitioners Towards Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Saudi Arabia.

Background General practitioners (GPs) have a significant role in the diagnosis of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Some published data revealed a lack of knowledge among GPs about the disease, consequently, this lack of knowledge impacted their performance. This survey aims to assess the current knowledge and practice of general practitioners regarding laryngopharyngeal reflux in Saudi Arabia. Methodology This survey study was conducted to assess the current knowledge and practice of general practitioners regarding laryngopharyngeal reflux in Saudi Arabia using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed and collected from the five regions in Saudi Arabia, which are The Central Region (Riyadh, Qassim), Eastern Region (Dammam, Al-Kharj, Al-Ahasa), Western Region (Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah), Southern Region (Asir, Najran, Jizan), and Northern Region (Tabuk, Jouf, Hail). Results In the current study, we collected data from 387 general practitioners, 61.8% of whom were aged between 21-30 years old, and 57.4% of the participants were males. Moreover, 40.6% of the participants thought that both LPR and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) share pathophysiology, however, they are two different diseases considering their clinical presentation. Moreover, it was found that heartburn was the most known symptom of LPR among the participants (Mean score 2.14 (SD=1.31), where a lower score indicated more relation). Considering the treatment of LPR, 40.6% and 40.3% of the participants reported using proton pump inhibitors once or twice daily respectively. In contrast, antihistamine/H2 blockers, alginate, and magaldrate were used to a lesser extent as reported by 27.1%, 21.7%, and 12.1%. Conclusion The current study showed limited knowledge among general practitioners considering LPR with a higher rate of referring patients to other departments depending on symptoms which may increase the pressure on other departments of mild cases.

Current possibilities and challenges in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is characterized by backflow of gastric or gastroduodenal content and gases into the upper aerodigestive tract, which can damage the mucus membranes of the larynx and pharynx. It is associated with avariety of symptoms such as retrosternal burning and acid regurgitation, or other unspecific symptoms such as hoarseness, globus sensation, chronic cough, or mucus hypersecretion. Due to the lack of data and the heterogeneity of studies, diagnosis of LPR is problematic and challenging, as recently discussed. Moreover, the different therapeutic approaches are also discussed controversially in the face of the poor evidence base, and include pharmacologic and conservative dietary measures. Hence, in the following review, the available options for treatment of LPR are critically discussed and summarized for daily clinical use.

Distinct Clinical Physiologic Phenotypes of Patients with Laryngeal Symptoms Referred for Reflux Evaluation

One third of adults experience laryngeal symptoms such as throat clearing and chronic cough and 50-80% of adults seeking care of these symptoms are told that laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is the etiology. LPR results from retrograde flow of gastroduodenal contents to the larynx and pharynx; however, treatment of presumed LPR remains challenging with limited evidence-based guidance. This article summarizes the @GIJournal Twitter discussion of Yadlapati et al, “Distinct Clinical Physiologic Phenotypes of Patients with Laryngeal Symptoms Referred for Reflux Evaluation,” originally published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. In this study of 302 patients with chronic laryngeal symptoms referred for reflux evaluation, five distinct phenotypic groups were described, and reflux was only present in two of the proposed phenotypes. LPR and GERD with hiatal hernia (group A); mild LPR/GERD (group B); no LPR/no GERD (group C); reflex cough (group D); and mixed/possible obstructive esophagogastric junction (EGJ) (group E). Phenotypic differences can inform targeted clinical trials design and improve outcomes.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux in children- a current Otolaryngologists perspective

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is diagnosed when the reflux of the stomach contents causes complications or troublesome symptoms. This disease can present with esophageal or extraesophageal symptoms. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) occurs when gastric contents reflux beyond the oesophagus to laryngopharynx, oropharynx or nasopharynx and it can cause symptoms such as: globus, hoarseness, chronic cough, regurgitations, vomiting or failure to thrive in infants. LPR can influence clinical course of many diseases i.a laryngomalacia, subglottic stenosis, chronic hoarseness and/or recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. LPR is also believed to be a factor leading to formation of laryngeal granulomas, ulcerations, Reinkes edema, functional voice disorders, sinusitis, otitis media or even life threatening events in neonates. The main diagnostic methods currently used are laryngoscopy, 24-hours pH-metry and esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance testing. Treatment consist of lifestyle changes and pharmacologic treatment.The use of antireflux medications is not recommended in patients with extraesophageal symptoms in absence of typical GERD symptoms. Surgical treatment can be considered in children with severe LPR symptoms refractory to pharmacological treatment. Controversies regarding diagnosis and treatment of LPR still exists. Further investigations are needed to establish guidelines for the diagnosis and management of LPR.

Analysis of symptoms and clinical signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux depending on pepsia in saliva

In the last fifty years, an epidemic of reflux disease has occurred as a result of poor eating habits, stress, and activities of the food industry. Part of this disease is laryngopharyngeal reflux, a disease characterized by the return of gastric contents to the throat and surrounding organs, leading to hoarseness, coughing, difficulty in swallowing and breathing, and ultimately the development of benign and malignant changes in the larynx. This study is aimed to examine the symptoms and signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux in the study group before and after therapy and to compare the concentration of pepsin in saliva with the above. The prospective longitudinal cohort study included 50 subjects, divided into two groups. The first group consisted of 25 subjects with laryngopharyngeal reflux. The second group consisted of 25 healthy subjects without symptoms and signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux. Symptoms and signs before and after therapy were collected using RSI and RFS questionnaires. Pepsin in saliva was measured with Peptest before and after therapy. The most pronounced symptoms are hoarseness, postnasal drip, and a feeling of "a lump in the throat". The median RSI score after three months of therapy was reduced from 20 to 8. From the first group, 7 subjects had measurable levels of pepsin in saliva, and none after therapy. In the control group, no subjects were found to have pepsin in their saliva. Significant improvement was observed in clinical findings (subglottic edema, posterior commissure hypertrophy, vocal cord edema, dense endolaryngeal secretion) after three months of therapy in subjects with LPR. No association of pepsin with LPR symptoms was observed but there is a significant positive association between pepsin and the clinical finding of erythema/hyperemia. In most cases, we start therapy with medication. It is, therefore, important to emphasize that laryngopharyngeal reflux treatment must always begin with a change in diet, lifestyle, and stress regulation. Treatment must be individual and should include a multidisciplinary team with a nutritionist, psychologist, and psychiatrist.

Best Practices in Treatment of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease: A Multidisciplinary Modified Delphi Study.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a common otolaryngologic diagnosis. Treatment of presumed LPR remains challenging, and limited frameworks exist to guide treatment. Using RAND/University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Appropriateness Methods, a modified Delphi approach identified consensus statements to guide LPR treatment. Experts independently and blindly scored proposed statements on importance, scientific acceptability, usability, and feasibility in a four-round iterative process. Accepted measures reached scores with ≥ 80% agreement in the 7-9 range (on a 9-point Likert scale) across all four categories. Fifteen experts rated 36 proposed initial statements. In round one, 10 (27.8%) statements were rated as valid. In round two, 8 statements were modified based on panel suggestions, and experts subsequently rated 5 of these statements as valid. Round three's discussion refined statements not yet accepted, and in round four, additional voting identified 2 additional statements as valid. In total, 17 (47.2%) best practice statements reached consensus, touching on topics as varied as role of empiric treatment, medication use, lifestyle modifications, and indications for laryngoscopy. Using a well-tested methodology, best practice statements in the treatment of LPR were identified. The statements serve to guide physicians on LPR treatment considerations.

Effect of Proton Pump Inhibitors on Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Reflux Finding Score (RFS) in Patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in treating the symptoms and laryngeal findings of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Methods: Placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials published after June 2001 to January 2021 which used PPI as the sole intervention and the RSI or RFS as outcome measures were eligible for inclusion. Studies that were published prior to June 2001, those which only made use of questionnaires other than the RSI or RFS, those which used PPI in combination with other treatments, or those with unavailable full-text manuscripts were excluded. These studies were identified from MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, and HERDIN Plus databases which were searched from May 21 to 26, 2020. The primary outcome was the mean difference between baseline/pre-treatment and post-treatment RSI scores for both PPI and placebo groups. The secondary outcome was the mean difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment RFS scores for PPI and placebo groups. Aggregate results of these outcomes were analyzed using forest plots. Heterogeneity was determined through prediction intervals. Risk of bias of individual studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Tool in Assessing Risk of Bias. Results: Nine randomized control trials were included with a total of 737 patients randomized and 595 patients analyzed – 294 from the PPI group and 301 from the placebo group. There were notable variations among the studies in terms of choice of PPI, dosage and frequency. Out of nine studies, four used both RSI and RFS in their analysis. Two studies used RSI alone and three used the RFS in combination with symptom questionnaires other than the RSI. There was a significant decrease in the RSI of the PPI group versus the placebo group with a mean difference of -2.83 (95% CI, -5.13 to -0.53, p = .02). However, there was no significant decrease in the RFS between PPI and placebo groups with a mean difference of -0.84 (95% CI, -2.66 to 0.98, p = .37). For two clinical trials which only reported post-treatment RFS, there was also no significant difference between the two treatment groups with a mean difference of 1.27 (95% CI, -0.22 to 2.76, p = .10). Conclusion: This meta-analysis found that, although a statistically significant benefit in RSI was noted with PPI therapy, this difference may not translate to a clinically significant change in symptoms; therefore, there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the treatment of LPR with PPIs.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux may be acute, recurrent or chronic disease: preliminary observations.

To investigate the mid-to-long-term symptom evolution and treatment findings of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) patients. Patients with LPR and treated between September 2016 and December 2017 were prospectively followed. The diagnosis consisted of > 1 pharyngeal event at the hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring. The treatment consisted of 3- to 9-months diet, stress management and medication according to the type of LPR. Reflux symptom score was used to assess the therapeutic response. Patients were surveyed yearly to know the reflux evolution, the potential recurrence(s) of symptoms, and the approaches used to control the disease. A total of 77 patients completed the evaluations (45 females). The initial treatment duration was 3, 6, or 9months in 25 (32.5%), 23 (29.9%), and 6 (7.7%) cases before weaning, respectively. Twenty-three patients (29.9%) reported chronic course of the disease. According to the reduction of reflux symptom score, symptoms did not change in 11 (14.3%) patients, while the rest of the patients reported symptom reduction or relief (responder rate of 85.7%). Over time, LPR symptoms never relapsed in 31% of cases, while 38% of patients reported one or several recurrences a year. The recurrence episodes of patients were all adequately treated with medication or diet and did not require long-term medication. Chronic course of the disease was observed in 31% of patients who required long-term medication. Preliminary observations reported that LPR may be classified as acute, recurrent, or chronic disease. The medication weaning is possible in most patients, leading to reduction of cost burden related to LPR treatment.

Developing a Vocal Manual Therapy Intervention for the Treatment of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Professional Voice Users: A Pilot Study of Two Elite Singers

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) can be extremely debilitating for singers. This pilot study describes a vocal manual therapy intervention that may have a potential to address LPR symptoms. It is a preliminary study, suggesting that they study provides a foundation for future work investigating nonpharmacological intervention strategies for singers with LPR.

Clinical assessment of laryngo-pharyngeal reflux disease by reflux symptom index and reflux finding score in a tertiary care hospital, Madhya Pradesh

Background: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or LPR disease (LPRD) is a commonly diagnosed clinical entity caused by the back-flow of gastric contents into the laryngo-pharynx. Diagnosis was made by a set of non-specific clinical symptoms, endoscopic laryngeal examination signs, reflux symptom index (RSI), and reflux finding score (RFS). Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the present study were to establish the diagnosis and treatment of LPR by assessment of the RSI and RFS and also evaluate the impact of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy on LPR. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 clinically suspected patients attending the ENT outpatient department presenting LPRD signs and symptoms were enrolled in the present study. LPR symptoms were assessed using the RSI, and LPR signs were assessed by laryngoscopic examination of the larynx using the RFS. Patient having an RSI score of ≥13 and an RFS of &gt;7 was included in the present study and it was also considered for starting LPR treatment. We have again calculated the both the score (RSI and RFS) after 3 months of successful PPI therapy and compared them with the initial scores. Results: Out of total 60 patients, 50 (83.4%) had RSI score &gt;13 and RFS &gt;7 indicating severe LPRD. Most common symptoms were troublesome/annoying cough (95%), sensation of something sticking in throat (95%), heartburn(95%), frequent throat clearing (91%), and excess throat mucous (87.9%), whereas the most common sign noted on laryngoscopic examination were arytenoids erythema (86.66%), partial ventricular obliteration (83.33%), vocal cord edema (56.7%), posterior commissure hypertrophy (51.7%), and diffuse laryngeal edema (50%). Majority of the patients significantly responded on 3 months PPI therapy. Reduction of clinical signs, symptoms of LPR and also observed significant reduction of RSI and RFS score after successful PPI therapy. Conclusions: In the present study, most of the patients suffering from severe LPRD who presented in our hospital RSI and RFS scored that were clinically significant in current study. After 3 months of proton-pump inhibitor therapy, there was a significant reduction in clinical signs and symptoms of LPR as well as RSI/RFS scores, indicating that PPI therapy was the mainstay of LPRD treatment in the current era.

Magnesium alginate versus proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial

PurposeProton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), but their efficacy remains debated. Alginates is an option for the treatment of LPR with few adverse effects. The study aimed to investigate the non-inferiority of an alginate suspension (Gastrotuss®) compared to PPIs (Omeprazole) in reducing LPR symptoms and signs.MethodsA non-inferiority randomized controlled trial was conducted. Fifty patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms (Reflux Symptom Index -RSI- ≥ 13) and signs (Reflux Finding Score -RFS- ≥ 7) were randomized in two treatment groups: (A) Gastrotuss® (20 ml, three daily doses) and, (B) Omeprazole (20 mg, once daily). The RSI and the RFS were assessed at baseline and after 2 months of treatment.ResultsGroups had similar RSI and RFS scores at baseline. From pre- to 2-month posttreatment, the mean RSI significantly decreased (p = 0.001) in alginate and PPI group (p = 0.003). The difference between groups in the RSI change was not significant (95%CI: − 4.2–6.7, p = 0.639). The mean RFS significantly decreased in alginate (p = 0.006) and PPI groups (p = 0.006). The difference between groups in the mean change RFS was not significant (95%CI: − 0.8; 1.4, p = 0.608).ConclusionAfter 2 months of treatment, LPR symptoms and signs are significantly reduced irrespective of the treatment. Alginate was non-inferior to PPIs and may represent an alternative treatment to PPIs for the treatment of LPR.