Usefulness of The Reflux Symptom Index in the Management of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Abstract

Introduction Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) is highly prevalent in the general population and its impact on health systems is growing dramatically by the day. The contents of the stomach flowing back into the oesophagus, pharynx and larynx because of a transient relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter leads to a spectrum of symptoms diagnosed as LPR and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The aim was to study in detail the symptoms of LPR and to ascertain if and how they hamper the routine of an individual by using the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI). Materials and Methods The Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) is a self-administered nine-item outcomes instrument for LPR. Ninety-one patients with clinically diagnosed LPR were taken up for this study and were issued the RSI (translated into the local language for better results) before and after treatment. Data was assessed at the end of 3 months and 6 months. Results The tabulated data showed significant improvement in the symptomatic index after treatment. Conclusion It can thus be concluded that RSI is still highly valid in the follow-up for patients with LPR because it can be easily administered and gives accurate results with excellent validation.

Keywords

• Laryngopharyngeal Reflux