Do the laryngopharyngeal symptoms and signs ameliorate by empiric treatment in patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux?

Abstract

Objectives: In clinical practice, antireflux medication is given almost always empirically without pH monitorization. We aimed to evaluate the improving effect of empiric antireflux treatment on layngopharyngeal symptoms and signs in patients with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) according to reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS).

Methods: GER was determined by esophagogastroduedonoscopy and biopsy in 127 patients. RSI and RFS were calculated for each patient. The patients with a pathology other than LFR which may be responsible from laryngopharyngeal symptoms and signs were excluded from the study. Fifty patients whom were thought to have LPR according to RSI and RFS comprised the study group. After 12-weeks of antireflux treatment, RSI and RFS were calculated again. The statistical analyses were made according to the changes in the severity and frequency of each symptom and sign.

Results: There was statistically significant improvement in RSI and RFS after treatment when compared with initial scores. There was statistically significant improvement in severity of all symptoms and signs. Although there was quantitively decrease in frequency of some signs and symptoms, complete resolution of the disease was not observed generally.

Conclusion: Empiric antireflux treatment according to RSI and RFS is an effective method. Antireflux treatment has a significant improving effect on laryngopharyngeal symptoms and signs. There may be needed longer times of treatment for complete resolution of symptoms and signs.