According to the findings of a prospective study, 96% of patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) had laryngopharyngeal symptoms suggestive of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD). Researchers aimed to explore link between GERD and laryngopharyngeal by assessing prevalence of laryngopharyngeal symptoms in people suffering from severe GERD refractory to medical therapy scheduled to undergo esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

The study enrolled 50 people (27 males, 23 females) with typical GERD symptoms. The recruited candidates completed GERD-Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire. Utilizing the Reflux Symptom Score (RSS) questionnaire, screening for laryngopharyngeal symptoms was done.  Candidates were also assessed for the presence of polyps, hiatal hernia, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, esophagitis, gastritis (non-erosive vs. erosive), intestinal metaplasia, and inlet patch. During EGD, the laryngeal images were taken and assessed utilizing Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA).

The heartburn prevalence was highest (90%). The mean RSS score was found to be 70.96±46.08 while the mean score of GERD Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) was found to be 30.76±15.09. In 49 patients, documentation of laryngeal examination was done. Edema (34.7%) was the most common finding, followed by redness (28.6%). For the total group, the mean RSA score was 21.15±8.04. A strong correlation was noted between the GERD-HQRL score and the RSS score. No profound link was noted between  RSS and any of the EGD findings.

Between GERD-HRQL scores and RSA or any of the EGD outcomes, no clinically meaningful association was noted. But, there was a substantial association between total RSS and RSA scores.

The suggested elevated prevalence of LPRD must alarm the treating clinician of the requirement for a comprehensive otolaryngologic assessment in people presenting with severe GERD, especially those in whom the laryngopharyngeal symptoms might be masked by usual GERD symptoms.