Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Prevalence and Predictors Among Doctors.

Abstract

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) refers to the retrograde flow of stomach contents into the larynx due to an abnormality involving the upper oesophageal sphincter. It presents with symptoms like frequent hawking, nocturnal cough, globus pharyngeus and unresolving throat discomfort. Studies have focused on LPR in the general population. However, certain cohorts may be more susceptible or silently suffering from LPR. A PubMed search on "laryngopharyngeal reflux in doctors" derived 118 results between 1998 and 2025 with no study on cohorts comprising doctors though general population and non-healthcare cohorts have been researched. Only Google Gemini's Generative Artificial Intelligence suggests that there is a possibility. To estimate the prevalence of LPR among doctors and derive a predictor model. A cross-sectional study was done among 822 doctors. Survey-based. Demographics, data related to work and RSI scoring were collected. Thorough ear, nose and throat examination with videolaryngoscopy was done. Descriptive statistics, prevalence rate, correlation and regression analysis were done. Variables satisfying assumptions for regression were filtered and a suitable model was developed to observe factors with most weightage causing LPR and estimate the medico's chances of suffering from it. Higher prevalence rate noted. Work related data provided a meaningful insight on finding factors with significant influence causing LPR in medicos. 1st predictor model with variables explaining the risk weightage derived. Age and gender did not have a statistically significant impact on the model. Impactful outcomes particularly noted in those who do shift work(8.292), take irregular diet(4.455), have habits(2.918), and work for extended hours(0.981) with values in parentheses showing how prone a candidate is, in developing LPR. LPR is more prevalent than expected in cohort comprising doctors when compared to general population, suggesting a possible silent disease among doctors. Revising work timing / improving diet hygiene / reducing stress by easing administrative delays apart from clinical suspicion, early recognition and management may help the healthcare professionals tide over the wave of LPR. The predictor model helps to categorise factors on weightage and predict how influential a role it can play in causing LPR.