J Rhinol.  2023 Nov;30(3):139-143. 10.18787/jr.2023.00052.

Effects of a Proton-Pump Inhibitor on Postnasal Drip Symptoms in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

• Lee JY
• Kang SH
• Cho MJ
• Jung HJ

• KMID: 2548190
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18787/jr.2023.00052

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is an increasingly common disease, characterized by stomach acid reflux reaching the upper airways. Postnasal drip (PND) is a known consequence of LPR, defined as mucus accumulation perceived in the posterior areas of the nose and throat. PND is among the most common causes of persistent cough, hoarseness, sore throat, and other symptoms, affecting the quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) on PND symptoms in patients with LPR.
Methods
We prospectively enrolled patients diagnosed with LPR at our institution between September 2019 and June 2020. The patients were randomly assigned to either the treatment group (20 mg of ilaprazole daily for 8 weeks) or the control group. The scores for the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Reflux Finding Score (RFS), and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-20 were evaluated at baseline and at the end of treatment, focusing on PND symptoms.
Results
Eighty patients (28 men and 52 women; mean age, 48.8 years, range, 22–78 years) were enrolled, with 43 in the treatment group and 37 in the control group. The initial RSI, RFS, and SNOT-20 scores were similar between the two groups, and they decreased significantly only in the treatment group (p=0.002, p<0.001, and p=0.015, respectively). However, the PND symptom scores showed a significant decrease in the treatment group only in the RSI (p=0.012).
Conclusion
PPI treatment for 8 weeks may be effective in improving PND symptoms in patients with LPR.

Keyword

Laryngopharyngeal reflux; Proton pump inhibitor; Postnasal drip

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Flow chart of patient enrollment. LPR, laryngopharyngeal reflux.

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  Fig. 2. Initial and final RSI (A), RFS (B), and SNOT-20 (C) scores in the medication and control groups (*p<0.05). RSI, Reflux Symptom Index; RFS, Reflux Finding Score; SNOT-20, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20.

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  Fig. 3. Initial and final PND score within the RSI (A) and SNOT-20 (B) scores in the medication and control groups (*p<0.05). PND, postnasal drip; RSI, Reflux Symptom Index; SNOT-20, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20.

Reference

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