Impact of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Patients with Voice Disorders

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with voice disorders thereby aiding in the early management and improving the quality of life. Study Design Cross Sectional study. Methods This cross sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital, patients with history of voice change for more than 3 weeks were included, and divided into 4 groups depending upon the level of voice use. Patients were asked to fill Koufmann Reflux Symptom Index questionnaire followed by video laryngoscopy and findings were plotted according to Reflux Finding Score. Based on the scoring, impact of LPRD in patient with voice disorders was analysed. Results Among the 90 study participants, 74 (82.2%) were found to have LPRD. The mean age was 42.76 ± 10.33 years. Majority (43.2%) belong to the age group of 41–50 years, with female predominance (70.3%). Majority (41.9%) of them were level IV voice users. 59.5% were positive Koufman reflex symptom index, 67.6% were positive Reflex finding score. Hoarseness (58.1%) the most common symptom. Conclusion Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease has to be considered in patients presenting with hoarseness of voice for more than three weeks. Simple and highly reproducible scores like Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux Finding Score proven useful and valuable tools in diagnosing LPRD thereby aiding in early diagnosis and prompt management and improves the patient’s quality of life. Level of Evidence Level 1.