OBJECTIVES: The otolaryngologic manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux include sore throat, throat clearing, sensation of postnasal drip, hoarseness, and globus. This constellation of laryngeal and pharyngeal symptoms can be referred to as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Many patients with LPR are treated empirically and the results are often rewarding. The objective of this study is to evaluate compliance with antireflux therapy in this patient population. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective analysis of 30 patients referred to an otolaryngology clinic for the above symptoms. METHODS: The patients were treated for LPR using a standardized behavior modification form in combination with medical management. Patient compliance was followed with a patient questionnaire and evaluation of medication renewal from pharmacy records. RESULTS: The patients were followed for an average of 4 months and 80% reported an improvement of their symptoms. Evaluation of patient questionnaires revealed that 50% of patients reported taking their medications as prescribed. Compliance varied widely with regard to behavioral modifications. The degree of symptomatic improvement was significantly correlated with overall compliance with both medications and behavioral changes (Pearson correlation coefficient, P < .05). The individual behavioral changes that were significantly correlated with the reduction of symptoms were avoidance of food and liquid before sleep and elevation of the head of bed, but not food habits. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment plan for gastroesophageal reflux disease requires behavioral modifications and prescription medications that many patients may find difficult to follow. However, those patients who comply with the treatment plan can be expected to have an improvement of their symptoms. Furthermore, simplifying the treatment regimen including those elements most correlated with symptomatic improvement may increase patient compliance.
OBJECTIVES: The otolaryngologic manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux include sore throat, throat clearing, sensation of postnasal drip, hoarseness, and globus. This constellation of laryngeal and pharyngeal symptoms can be referred to as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Many patients with LPR are treated empirically and the results are often rewarding. The objective of this study is to evaluate compliance with antireflux therapy in this patient population. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective analysis of 30 patients referred to an otolaryngology clinic for the above symptoms. METHODS: The patients were treated for LPR using a standardized behavior modification form in combination with medical management. Patient compliance was followed with a patient questionnaire and evaluation of medication renewal from pharmacy records. RESULTS: The patients were followed for an average of 4 months and 80% reported an improvement of their symptoms. Evaluation of patient questionnaires revealed that 50% of patients reported taking their medications as prescribed. Compliance varied widely with regard to behavioral modifications. The degree of symptomatic improvement was significantly correlated with overall compliance with both medications and behavioral changes (Pearson correlation coefficient, P < .05). The individual behavioral changes that were significantly correlated with the reduction of symptoms were avoidance of food and liquid before sleep and elevation of the head of bed, but not food habits. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment plan for gastroesophageal reflux disease requires behavioral modifications and prescription medications that many patients may find difficult to follow. However, those patients who comply with the treatment plan can be expected to have an improvement of their symptoms. Furthermore, simplifying the treatment regimen including those elements most correlated with symptomatic improvement may increase patient compliance.
Authors: Jerome R Lechien; Francois Bobin; Francois Mouawad; Karol Zelenik; Christian Calvo-Henriquez; Carlos M Chiesa-Estomba; Necati Enver; Andrea Nacci; Maria Rosaria Barillari; Antonio Schindler; Lise Crevier-Buchman; Stéphane Hans; Virginie Simeone; Elzbieta Wlodarczyk; Bernard Harmegnies; Marc Remacle; Alexandra Rodriguez; Didier Dequanter; Pierre Eisendrath; Giovanni Dapri; Camille Finck; Petros Karkos; Hillevi Pendleton; Tareck Ayad; Vinciane Muls; Sven Saussez Journal: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol Date: 2019-09-12 Impact factor: 2.503
Authors: Livia Guadagnoli; Madison Simons; Josie McGarva; Tiffany H Taft; Miranda A L van Tilburg Journal: Patient Prefer Adherence Date: 2022-04-05 Impact factor: 2.711