Comparative outcomes of antireflux treatment for laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms and upper abdominal symptoms in patients with endoscopic esophagitis

The objectives of this prospective study are to determine the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms in patients with endoscopic esophagitis, to investigate the relationship between LPR symptoms and upper abdominal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and to compare the treatment responses of both symptom groups. 120 consecutive patients having complaints of GERD were included. Group I consisted of 62 patients with a diagnosis of endoscopic esophagitis. The second group consisted of 58 subjects with no detectable pathology at gastroscopy. LPR symptoms and upper abdominal symptoms were graded. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) were prescribed to patients. Both groups of symptoms were compared in two groups of patients. The improvement in symptoms was evaluated after treatment. The frequencies of LPR symptoms were statistically higher in patients with endoscopic esophagitis. All LPR symptoms were statistically relieved in their frequency after treatment. The decrease in LPR symptom scores after treatment in group I was statistically significant. FSSG (frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD) scores were statistically higher in group I than in group II before treatment. After treatment, FSSG scores were significantly decreased in group I. There was statistically significant positive correlation between the LPR symptom scores and FSSG scores before treatment. In conclusion, there is a high incidence of LPR symptoms and upper abdominal symptoms in patients with endoscopic esophagitis. LPR and upper abdominal symptoms responded well to antireflux treatment in patients with endoscopic esophagitis.