[Symptom-based relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) based on symptoms.

METHODS: A total of 1090 patients undergoing upper digestive tract motility test were invited to complete the surveys of reflux disease questionnaire and reflux symptom index from August 2007 to October 2010. And 895 responders provided valid answers. There were 474 females and 421 males.

RESULTS: Among 895 responders, 351 patients had neither, 218 suffered both conditions, 237 were diagnosed as GERD alone and 89 LPRD alone. No difference was found in age (P = 0.383)or gender ratio (P = 0.227). In 455 GERD patients, there were 218 LPRD cases (47.9%). In 307 LPRD patients, 218 (71.0%) had concurrent GERD. In GERD patients, the frequency and degree of feeling of stomach content reflux into mouth were correlated with RSI (r = 0.115, 0.141, P = 0.007, 0.001).

CONCLUSION: GERD and LPRD may coexist or occur alone. Because of a high concurrent ratio of LPRD in GERD, the treatment strategy of GERD should be modified accordingly. In GERD patients, the feeling of stomach content reflux into mouth may suggest a possibility of LPRD.