The effect of anti-reflux treatment on subjective voice measurements of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of anti-reflux treatment and speech therapy on subjective voice measurements of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux.

METHODS

This paper reports a prospective study of patients seen in a voice clinic over a three-year period who were being treated for laryngopharyngeal reflux. Patients were assessed at presentation using the reflux symptom index and voice symptom scale, and were reassessed at three months and six months post-treatment. Treatment entailed twice daily proton pump inhibitor therapy and speech therapy.

RESULTS

The study comprised 74 patients. The reflux symptom index and voice symptom scale scores significantly improved following treatment at both three and six months. There was a correlation between improved reflux symptom index scores and improved voice symptom scale scores.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux with twice daily proton pump inhibitors and speech therapy resulted in improved subjective voice measurements for patients.