Utility of reflux finding score and reflux symptom index in diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine the utility of reflux finding score (RFS) and reflux symptom index (RSI) in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS: A prospective hospital‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted at a private hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. Relationship between independent and dependent variables was established using chi‐square test, a variable with p‐value of equal or less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 2500 patients were recruited, out of which 800 (32.0%) were males and 1700 (68.0%) were female. Out of the 2500, 1520 (60.8%) patients were found to have a RSI of >13. Out of the 1520 patients subjected to 70‐degree laryngoscopy, 1425 patients (95.0%) were found to have a RFS > 7. Of the 1425 patients with RFS > 7, 260 were males (18.2%) and 1165 were females (81.8%). CONCLUSION: RFS and RSI have demonstrated their role in establishing the diagnosis of LPRD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4