GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH LARYNGOPHARYNGEAL SYMPTOMS AND PROTON PUMP INHIBITOR EFFICACY

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes a variety of laryngopharyngeal symptoms. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is said to be effective, so we assessed the efficacy of clinical diagnosis and empirical therapy in patients using PPI. Possible candidates were chosen based on a symptom checklist, (QUEST).
1. QUEST was conducted for 153 patients reporting throat discomfort. Once-daily 30 mg of lansoprazole was administered to 47.
2. The efficacy of medication in the 47 was 61%.
3. Taking into consideration symptoms, efficacy was 63.6% in abnormal throat sensation, 66.7% in cough, 50% in lingual pain, 50% in hoarseness, 100% in bitter taste, and 100% in heartburn/eructation.
4. No statistically significant correlation was seen between the effectiveness of lansoplazole and the length of discomfort.
Our results show GERD may be suspected when patients report throat discomfort. PPI therapy should be considered clinically and conducted empirically.