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Does reflux have an effect on nasal mucociliary transport?
Ruhi Durmus1, Baris Naiboglu, Arman Tek
1Department of Otolaryngology, Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|July 9, 2010
Summary
Gastroesophageal and laryngopharyngeal reflux do not impact nasal mucociliary transport. This study found no significant difference in transport function between reflux patients and controls, even after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Gastroenterology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) are implicated in chronic rhinosinusitis.
- The precise mechanism by which GER and LPR affect nasal passages remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of GER and LPR on nasal mucociliary transport.
- To determine if reflux impairs the clearance function of the nasal mucosa.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving 50 patients with GER and LPR and 30 healthy controls.
- Nasal mucociliary transport assessed using the saccharine test before and after a 12-week antireflux medication treatment.
- Reflux symptom indices were monitored throughout the study.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference in nasal mucociliary transport was observed between the reflux group and the control group pre-treatment.
- While reflux scores significantly improved post-treatment, this did not correlate with a significant change in nasal mucociliary transport.
- No significant difference in transport function was noted between patients with normalized reflux scores and those with persistent high scores post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Gastroesophageal and laryngopharyngeal reflux do not appear to affect nasal mucociliary transport.
- The findings suggest that impaired nasal mucociliary transport is not a direct consequence of GER or LPR.
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