Investigating allergic rhinitis effects on laryngopharyngeal reflux in Sudanese people during the Sudanese armed conflict

Abstract

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) involves the reflux of stomach contents into the upper aerodigestive tract and is often linked to allergic rhinitis (AR), an inflammatory nasal condition. This study investigates the potential association between AR and LPR in Sudanese adults, focusing on individuals with asthma. Analytical, community based cross-sectional study was conducted online (June 11-July 21, 2024) using convenient sampling, which included Sudanese adults aged 18 and older. Validated Arabic versions of the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and the Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) assessed LPR and AR, respectively. Data analysis using SPSS version 26 utilized statistical tests, including univariate analysis and logistic regression, to explore associations. Among our 1,195 participants, a strong positive correlation was found between RSI and SFAR scores (r = 0.595, p < 0.001). Participants with AR were six times more likely to have LPR symptoms (OR = 5.956, p < 0.001). Females and younger adults reported higher rates of both conditions, with family history of allergies, nasal symptoms, and environmental allergen exposure significantly associated with LPR. Asthma, though present in a small subset, did not significantly alter the AR-LPR association. The study highlights a strong association between AR and LPR, particularly in females and younger adults, emphasizing the need for integrated management. Future research should explore asthma's role in larger cohorts and utilize objective diagnostic tools to establish causality. The findings also stress the importance of increased funding for biomedical research in resource-limited settings like Sudan.