Proton pump inhibitor therapy for chronic laryngo-pharyngitis: a randomized placebo-control trial.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for chronic laryngo-pharyngitis treated with lifestyle modification.

STUDY DESIGN AND

METHODS

Double-blind, randomized trial comparing two-month Rabeprazole (20 mg b.i.d.) to placebo control.

RESULTS

Compared to baseline, both PPI and control patients had significant improvement in total reflux symptoms (P = 0.002 and P = 0.03 respectively), with significant improvement in "laryngo-pharyngeal" but not "typical" reflux symptoms. No significant difference was noted for change in reflux symptoms between PPI-treated and control patients (P = 0.44). Significant global improvement was noted by 50% of control and 53% of PPI-treated patients (P = 1.0). No significant differences were noted within or between treatment groups for change in health status or videostrobolaryngoscopy grade. Lifestyle modification compliance correlated significantly with global improvement.

CONCLUSION

Compared to baseline, lifestyle modification for 2 months significantly improved chronic laryngo-pharyngitis symptoms. When compared to control, treatment with a PPI failed to demonstrate significantly greater improvement in reflux symptoms, health status, or laryngeal appearance.