• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.193-196
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• 1998

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) has been considered one of major causes in patient with globus symptom. Diagnostic methods for GER are gastroesophagoscopy, acid perfusion test esophagogram, esophageal manometry, 24-hour double probe pH-metry, and so on. According to the literature, positive rate of GER on esophagogram was reported variably from 4.7% to 45.9% and the outcome of classical treatment with antacid and prokinetic agent was reported from 70% to 84%. We reviewed the medical records of 81 patients with globus symptom. Each patient had been performed esophagogram and treated with antacid and prokinetic agent. Positive rate of GER on esophagogram was 46.9%. Complete resolution and improvement of globus symptom was 79% overally, 92% in positive group of GER rut esophgogram, and 72% in negative group. Considering aspects of time-cost and compliance of patient esophagogram is one of the screening methods of GER in patients with globus symptom. Antacid and prokinetic agent is recommended in treatment of patients with globus symptom.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.96-101
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• 2007

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is the retrograde movement of gastric contents into the larynx, pharynx, and upper aero-digestive tract. LPR differs from gastroesophageal reflux in that it is often not associated with heartburn and regurgitation symptoms. Otolaryngological manifestations of acid reflux include a wide range of pharyngeal and laryngeal symptoms. Belafsky et al. developed a useful self-administered tool, the reflux symptom index (RSI), for assessing the degree of LPR symptoms. Patients are asked to use a 0 to 5 point scale to grade the following symptoms: 1) hoarseness or voice problems; 2) throat clearing; 3) excess throat mucus or postnasal drip ; 4) difficulty swallowing; 5) coughing after eating or lying down; 6) breathing difficulties ; 7) troublesome or annoying cough; 8) sensation of something sticking or a lump in the throat; 9) heartburn, chest pain, indigestion or stomach acid coming up. A RSI score greater than 13 is considered abnormal. As there is no validated instrument to document the physical findings and severity of LPR, Belafsky et al. developed an eight-item clinical severity scale for judging laryngoscopic finding, the reflux finding score (RFS). They rated eight LPR-associated findings on a scale from 0 to 4 : subglottic edema, ventricular obliteration, erythema/hyperemia, vocal-fold edema, diffuse laryngeal edema, posterior commissure hypertrophy, granuloma/granulation tissue, and thick endolaryngeal mucus. A RFS score of greater than 7 was found to suggest LPR-associated laryngitis. Although both indices (RSI and RFS) are widely used, there is some controversy about their validity (sensitivity and specificity) and reliability (intra-rater and inter-rater) in LPR diagnosis and treatment. We discuss the validity and reliability of RSI and RFS with literature review.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.1239-1246
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to report the effectiveness of Korean medicine in the treatment of reflux esophagitis. Methods: A 62-year-old male patient had reflux esophagitis that occurred one year after a proximal gastrectomy for gastric ulcer in 2020. The patient underwent drug treatment in 2021 and inpatient treatment in 2022 at Mokpo Hankook Hospital, but he did not improve. We treated him with Korean medical treatments, including herbal medicines (Pyungjingunbi-tang-gami), acupuncture, and moxibustion. His symptom severity was assessed with a daily visual analog scale (VAS) for heartburn, upper abdomen pain, and acid reflux. Results: After treatment, the patient's symptoms were improved. The severity of heartburn and acid reflux was reduced from VAS 7 to VAS 1, and his upper abdomen pain was improved from VAS 6 to VAS 1. The symptom frequency was also reduced. Conclusion: Korean medicine treatment could be an effective and quick treatment for reflux esophagitis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.15-18
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• 2005

Background and Objectives : To determine the changes of reflux symptoms and laryngoscopic findings of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) on the duration of proton pump inhibitor medication. Materials and Methods : From Feb 2003 to Nov 2004, 58 patients who were diagnosed with LPR by 24-hour double-probe pH monitoring were enrolled. All patients were treated with proton pump inhibitor and followed up for 8 weeks at least. The response of symptoms and laryngoscopic findings of patients were assessed with reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) before treatment and 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 weeks after treatment. Results : The symptoms of patients with LPR were improved significantly at 2, 4, 8 weeks of treatment. The laryngoscopic findings of patients with LPR were improved significantly at 4 and 12 weeks of treatment. There was no correlation between improvement of reflux symptoms and laryngoscopic findings. Conclusions : The laryngoscopic findings of LPR patients were improved more slowly than reflux symptoms. Based on our results, anti-reflux therapy might be continued at least for 3 months until the improvement of laryngoscopic findings.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.173-180
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• 2023

Purpose: Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a burdensome disease affecting many children. A clinical examination is reported to be unreliable to diagnose GERD in children. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom and Quality of Life Questionnaire (PGSQ) and endoscopic and histopathological findings in children with symptoms suggesting GERD. Changes in the PGSQ score in children with esophagitis as response to one month therapy were recorded as secondary outcome. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study in the pediatric outpatient clinic in an Indonesian tertiary hospital. Children aged 2-17 years old with clinical symptoms suspected of GERD are included in the study. Blinded endoscopic and histopathological examination was performed in all patients before one month proton pump inhibitors (PPI) therapy. The PGSQ information was collected at inclusion and after one month PPI treatment. Results: Fifty-eight subjects were included. Esophagitis was found in 60.9% of subjects according to endoscopy and 58.6% according to histology. There was no significant relationship between the PGSQ score and endoscopic (p=0.781) nor biopsy (p=0.740) examinations. The PGSQ showed a low diagnostic value compared to endoscopy and biopsy (area under the curve [AUC] 0.477, p=0.477, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.326-0.629 and AUC 0.474, p=0.740 (95% CI 0.321-0.627 respectively). The PGSQ improved significantly post one month of PPI treatment. Conclusion: The PGSQ cannot be used to diagnose esophagitis in children with clinical symptoms suggesting GERD. However, the PGSQ can be used to monitor the treatment response in children with esophagitis.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.41-49
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• 2009

Background and Objectives : Proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) improve the symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR). But there is little reports about the changes of each items in reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) after PPIstreatment. The purpose of this study is to analyze the changes of pre- and post-treatment score in each RSI and RFS items after 8 weeks medication with proton pump inhibitors in laryngopharyngeal reflux patients. Methods : Prospective study. Among the patients who had visited the department of otolaryngology from January 2007 to December 2008, 91 patients who had shown scores greater than 13 on the RSI and/or 7 on the RFS were studied. All patients received PPIs once daily before breakfast for 8 weeks. RSI and RFS were assessed at initial, four weeks and eight weeks after medication. Result: All RSI items were improved (p < 0.05). The globus sense followed by throat clearing, heartburns and hoarseness showed high initial RSI score than other items. And globus sense, throat clearing, hoarseness and heartburn were improved significantly more than others items. But only posterior commissure hypertrophy of RFS was improved significantly more than others items. Conclusion: Empiric PPIs therapy reduced the RSI scores and more effective for symptoms such as globus sense, throat clearing, hoarseness and heartburn among suspected LPR patients. In RFS, only posterior commissure hypertrophy has improved significantly. However, the changes of each categories of RFS were minimal (average: 0.16), therefore clinical significance is restricted in RFS.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.43-47
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• 2017

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is common in laryngologic practice. In Korea, up to 1 out of every 5 patients who visit otorhinolaryngology clinic is supposed to have LPRD with symptoms and physical findings. Major symptoms of LPRD include hoarseness, cough, reflux symptom and mild dysphagia. Even though LPRD is common, its diagnosis may be difficult, because its symptoms are nonspecific and the laryngeal findings are not always associated with symptom severity. In Recent study, 66.4% of Patient who has LPRD also associated with esophageal motility disorders. Esophageal achalasia is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by an absence of peristalsis in the body of esophagus and nonrelaxing hypertension of the lower esophageal sphincter. Common cause is loss of ganglion cells in Auerbachs plexus. The classic triad of symptoms in achalasia includes dysphagia, regurgitation and weight loss. LPRD and esophageal achalasia have similar symptoms but have different treatment of choice. The Differentiation diagnosis of theses disease is important and should be established by history, radiologic examination and endoscopic examination. We recently assessed a 59-year-old female patient who complained of an epigastric pain, dysphagia and chronic cough. LPRD was initially diagnosed on Laryngoscopic examination and Reflux Symptom Index, but patient was not relieved of any symptoms after treatment of Proton Pump Inhibitor for 3 months. After high resolution manometry, esophageal achalasia was finally diagnosed. We report this case regarding the diagnosis and treatment with review of literatures because we have to think about esophageal motility disorders as a differential diagnosis in laryngology.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.26-29
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• 2003

Background and Objectives : Gastric acid reflux has been suggested to have an association with sleep apnea(SA). This study's aim is to evaluate the relationship between reflux laryngitis and SA through the fact that the treatment of reflux laryngitis may impact the snoring and SA related symptoms in selective individuals. Methods : Population consist of 24 males and 10 female aged 34 to 66 years(mean age 50 years) confirmed by Reflux Finding Score(RFS) of PC Belafsky. Thirty four patients with reflux laryngitis and associated symptoms of SA were treated with proton pump inhibitor(Rabeprazole sodium 10mg/day) for 60 days. The degree of snoring and apnea related symptoms were evaluated using questionnaires, and palatine tonsillar hypertropy(PTH) and RFS were compared preoperatively and postoperatively. Results : After antireflux treatment for 60 days, the snoring(p=0.039), daytime sleepiness(p=0.002), and concentration(p=0.011) were significantly improved(p<0.05) and RFS was significantly decreased(p=0.000), but morning headache(p=0.057) and sleep apnea(p=0.083) were not significantly improved(p>0.05) and PTH was not significantly decreased(p=0.328). Conclusion : Treatment of reflux laryngitis significantly impacted the snoring, daytime sleepiness, and concentration in selective individuals. These results suggest some close relationship between reflux laryngitis and SA, and the treatment of reflux laryngitis may be some effective in those with both disorders.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.67-74
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• 2003

Larygopharyngeal reflux(LPR) is one form of the Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases(GERD). It is known to cause various kinds of otolaryngologic symptoms such as hoarseness, globus sensation in throat, chronic throat clearing, and chronic cough, Disease entities diagnosed by otolaryngologists as posterior laryngitis, globus pharyngeus and reflux laryngitis should be suspected as LPR-related diseases. The nizatidine(AXID), as a Histamine H2-receptor antagonist, reduces gastric acid secretion and improves gastric motility function. Objectives : The effect of nizatidine using 150mg b.i.d was evaluated for symptom relief and improvement of laryngoscopic findings in patients with LPR. Materials and Methods : In 30 multicenter, observational trial performed nationalwidely in Korea. 308 patients with LPR symptom were observed to evaluate their symptoms and larygnoscopic findings after 4weeks, 8weeks, 12weeks of treatment with nizatidine. Results : The symptoms of LPR including globus sensation, chronic throat clearing and hoarseness, are reduced significantly after 4 weeks, 8weeks, and 12weeks of treatment(p<0.05). The laryngoscopic findings including diffuse erythema, edema and granulation are improved after nizatidine treatment(p<0.05). and the efficacy of nizatidine on LPR-related sympoms after 4 weeks is 88.6%, and those of after 8 weeks and 12weeks were 92.6%, and 99.1% in ITT(Intent To Treatment) group(p<0.05). And PPA(Per Protocol Analysis)group showed 93.7%, 97.3%, and 99.1% of efficacy after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of nizatidine treatment(p<0.05). Conclusion : These results indicate that in patient with LPR, nizatidine 150mg b.i.d treatment very effectively reduces LPR symptoms and improves laryngoscopic findings as well as reduces gastric acid secretion and improves gastric motility function.

• Phonetics and Speech Sciences
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.47-54
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• 2015

The objectives of this study are to research the frequency of depression symptom in patients with voice disorders and to investigate parameters associated with depression from voice evaluation. A hundred ninety six patients(106 males and 90 females) who had been diagnosed with voice disorders first in their lifetime were selected. All the patients were examined by laryngeal stroboscopy. For depression and voice study, personal interview, acoustic and aerodynamic analysis, voice handicap index(VHI), reflux symptom index(RSI), and beck depression index(BDI) were done respectively. Mild to severe BDI were seen in 26.2%(52 patients) of the whole patients. A BDI mean score of female patients was $8.8{\pm}7.5$ which was higher than that of male patients($5.6{\pm}6.6$), the difference observed being statistically significant(p<0.001). In the acoustic analysis, the score of sent_duration parameter was increasing in the patients with depression, which was significantly higher than the score of the patients without depression(p<0.05). In the addition, the scores of VHI and RSI were higher in the patients with depression(p<0.001). Our findings suggest that the prevalence of depression in patients with voice disorders is related to female, speaking velocity, and self-questionnaire. This result can be used for psychologically based approach to therapy.