The Effects of Empiric Antireflux Treatment on Laryngopharyngeal and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Özet

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effects of empiric lansoprazol therapy on laryngopharyngeal (LPR) and gastroesophageal (GOR) reflux symptoms and laryngological findings.Methods: Sixty-seven patients with suspected LPR related symptoms were prospectively analyzed in this study. Following elevensymptoms were asked to patients using LPR symptom questionnaire; sore throat, throat burning, throat clearing, globus sensation, cough, halitosis, dysphonia, dysphagia, postnasal dripping, vocal fatigue and sputum. GOR symptoms were evaluated withthe Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (FSSG) questionnaire consist of twelve symptoms.Posterior larynx, arytenoids and interarytenoid area were evaluated with a 70° endoscope. Erythema, edema and nodularity weregraded separately using 4 point severity scale to examine laryngeal signs. All patients were treated using 30 mg lansoprazole oncedaily for four weeks. After the end of medication, symptoms and laryngoscopic signs were evaluated again with the same method.The pretreatment and posttreatment values were compared with statistical analyses.Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in LPR symptom scores and total scores of FSSG. The severity of nodularityin the posterior larynx, arytenoids and interarytenoid area was improved after treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in erythema on each area larynx. Edema in the posterior larynx and interarytenoid area was improved but there was nochange on the edema of arytenoids.Conclusion: A short period of empiric antireflux treatment has a significant improving effect on all LPR symptoms and most of GORsymptoms. However, it was insufficient on laryngeal signs. Further research is needed to investigate longer times of treatment forthe complete resolution of symptoms and signs.