A Study to Correlate Reflux Symptom Index with Reflux Finding Score in Suspected Cases of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease

Despite increasing prevalence of Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD), it is often misdiagnosed and undertreated. Patients often present with vague and nonspecific symptoms leading to diagnostic dilemma. Combination of objective and subjective, when used together as a combination of symptoms and signs are a strong indicator of Reflux. The present study evaluated the correlation between Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Reflux Finding Score (RFS). A total of 85 patients aged between 18 to 64 years with symptoms suggestive of LPRD were included in the study. Patients with chronic debilitating disorders, Chronic NSAIDS users and Patients who have already received treatment for LPRD were excluded. Patients having RSI score of 13 or more were selected and further subjected to endoscopic examination for RFS assessment. Mean age of patients in this study was 35.7±12.2 years. Most commonly reported symptom based on RSI index was excessive throat clearing (96.5%) followed by heart burn (95.3%). The most common sign noted based on RFS was erythema (100%) followed by Posterior commissure hypertrophy (95.3%). Significant associations were noted between Throat mucus/postnasal drip and vocal fold edema; Difficulty in swallowing and ventricular obliteration, posterior commissure hypertrophy, and thick endo-laryngeal mucus; Cough following eating/lying down and diffuse laryngeal edema and; Globus sensation and vocal fold edema (p<0.05). Based on Pearson’s correlation test, significant positive correlation was observed between RSI and RFS scores with r=0.6 and p=<0.001.RSI questionnaire followed by RFS assessment should be implemented as a routine screening measure for the diagnosis of  LPRD in ENT outpatient clinics.