A simple qualitative scale for diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux: high correlations with pH measurements and disease severity. The usefulness of the Warsaw Scale in LPR diagnostics compared to other diagnostic tools

PURPOSE: Diagnosis and monitoring of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a constant challenge in otolaryngological practice, chiefly because there are no specific symptoms characteristic of the disease. In this paper, we present the validation of a simple, 6-level qualitative scale to gauge the clinical findings of LPR. It has been previously published in Polish as the Warsaw Scale. METHODS: In the study, we enrolled 100 patients with voice problems who had registered in our clinic, and we performed an extended battery of diagnostic tests for LPR, together with 24-h pH monitoring. RESULTS: The Warsaw Scale significantly outperformed other instruments in both predicting LPR status and correlating with pH measurements. Moreover, the rating provided by the scale showed a strong association with patient-reported symptoms. CONCLUSION: The data indicate that the Warsaw Scale could be used as an affordable, consistent, and effective diagnostic and monitoring tool for LPR.