The Prevalence, Clinical Predictors, and Awareness of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Patients in Riyadh

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is an otolaryngological and gastrointestinal condition related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is the most common extraesophageal GERD manifestation. Various tests screen for GERD and LPR, such as the GERD questionnaire (GerdQ) and the reflux symptom index (RSI), respectively. In this paper, we identified the prevalence, clinical predictors, and awareness of LPR among patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, diagnosed with GERD using the GerdQ and RSI. Methods: A self-administered electronic questionnaire was distributed among adult patients diagnosed with GERD in Riyadh. Two hundred and twenty three GERD patients completed the questionnaire between December 2022 and March 2023. The data received were analyzed and interpreted using SPSS, version 25. Results: A total of 1352 participated in the online questionnaire; of these, only 223 scored 9 and above in GerdQ and met the inclusion criteria. The majority was female (62.8%). Out of 223, LPR was diagnosed in 140 (62.8%). Students, unemployment, and drinking hot-sweetened coffee were significant predictors of LPR. In addition, patients with severe GERD were more likely to have severe LPR. Most participants had moderate to good LPR awareness, ranging from 56.5% to 77.6%. Conclusion: LPR and GERD are different entities but share similarities. LPR is more likely in unemployed students and those who drink hot-sweetened coffee, and its severity correlates with the severity of GERD.