Proton pump inhibitors effect on the quality of life of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux

Background: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a condition caused by retrograde flow of gastric contents to the larynx, pharynx, trachea, and bronchus, which can affect patients’ quality of life (QOL). Purpose: To evaluate the effect of proton pump–inhibitor (PPI) therapy on the quality of life of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Methods: This randomized controlled trial study involved 52 patients with dysphagia. The short-form REFLUX-QUAL® questionnaire was used to assess QOL. The patients were given lansoprazole twice daily as early diagnostic method as well as a therapy for LPR. If improvement found, PPI therapy was continued for two months. Afterwards patients was randomly divided into continuous therapy group (n = 25) or an on-demand therapy group (n = 27). Results: There was no significant difference in gender, age group, or economic level among subjects in both groups. Treatment with PPIs both continuously and on-demand significantly improved patients’ QOL from 44.83 ± 19.11 to 83.37 ± 11.51 (p <0.001). Significant improvements occurred in almost all of eight QOL domains as compared at the start of and six months into PPI therapy (p <0.001); discomfort remained the exception as patients with LPR must continue to avoid certain foods, (p = 0.233). However, there was no significant difference between the continuous and on-demand therapy groups concerning improvements in the quality of life (p = 0.281). Conclusion: Treatment with PPIs either continuously or on-demand for six months significantly improved patients’ quality of life, with no significant difference between the two treatment groups.