The role of Helicobacter Pylori and laryngopharyngeal reflux in recurrent tonsillitis.

OBJECTIVES

To detect Helicobacter Pylori [HP] in tonsillar tissue of recurrent tonsillitis cases and assess the possible role of Laryngopharyngeal reflux [LPR] in tonsillar HP infection.

METHODS

A prospective study was done on the cited subject in a sample size of 50 paediatric patients [Age group: 6-18 years] suffering from recurrent tonsillitis. LPR was diagnosed by Reflux Symptom index [RSI] and Reflux Finding score [RFS]. A score of more than 7 and 13 was regarded as significant for RFS and RSI respectively. Patients with both scores significant were regarded to be suffering from LPR. Tonsillar specimen after tonsillectomy were subjected to urease test, histopathology [ Modified Giemsa Staining] and culture to detect HP. A minimum of two positive tests of the mentioned three were taken as gold standard to diagnose colonization of HP. Tabulated data was statistically analysed.

RESULTS

We recorded an incidence of 9% [18 cases] for LPR in recurrent tonsillitis. No case of HP colonization of tonsils was detected in this case series, even in patients of LPR.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that tonsils are not an extra gastric reservoir of HP. In addition, there is no aetiological relationship between recurrent tonsillitis and HP. And lastly, LPR is not a significant factor for colonization of tonsils by HP.