Classical reflux symptoms, hiatus hernia and overweight independently predict pharyngeal acid exposure in patients with suspected reflux laryngitis.

BACKGROUND

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been associated with reflux laryngitis.

AIMS

To investigate the risk factors and the predictors of pharyngeal acid reflux (PAR) in Taiwanese patients with suspected reflux laryngitis.

METHODS

With referral from ENT physicians, 104 patients with symptoms and signs suggestive of reflux laryngitis completed a validated symptom questionnaire, an upper endoscopy exam and ambulatory 24-h pH tests with three sensors located at the hypopharynx, proximal and distal oesophagus. Patients with one or more episodes of PAR were considered abnormal.

RESULTS

Pharyngeal acid reflux was identified in 17% (18/104) of patients. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, PAR was independently associated with classical reflux symptoms [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0-12.8], hiatus hernia (aOR = 6.7, 95% CI: 1.5-30.2) and overweight (aOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.0-11.0). In predicting PAR, classical reflux symptoms had a sensitivity of 78% and hiatus hernia had a specificity of 95%. With all three factors, the positive predictive value for PAR was 80%. Classical reflux symptoms included heartburn, chest pain, dyspepsia and acid regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Classical reflux symptoms, hiatus hernia and overweight are independent risk factors that may predict pharyngeal acid reflux in patients with suspected reflux laryngitis.