Usefulness of the reflux symptom index in 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 term reflux means back flow. The contents of the stomach flowing back into the esophagus, pharynx, and larynx because of a transient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter cause of a spectrum of symptoms diagnosed with LPR and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Aims and Objectives: To study in detail the symptoms caused in 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 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 were assessed at the end of 3 months and 6 months. Observations and 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 of it can be easily administered and gives excellent validation for accurate results.