Prevalence of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease in Indian Population

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPRD) is form of extra-oesophageal reflux due to the backflow of gastric contents into the upper aero digestive tract leading to throat symptoms. World over, the prevalence rate of LPRD, ranges from 5 to 30%. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence rate of LPRD in Indian population. This was an observational study whereby the RSI questionnaire was circulated amongst the population and records collected. All subjects who had RSI score more than 13 were considered to be suffering from LPRD. 2300 responses were collected from almost all strata of population. Out of 2300 people who responded 253 had RSI score > 13, and were considered as suffering from LPRD. Thus the prevalence rate of LPRD in population was 11%. The prevalence rate of LPRD in females was 11.2% and in males was 10.6%. The difference in prevalence among both the genders was not significant.The most common symptom of LPR reported by subjects was heartburn followed by clearing of throat and excess throat mucous. The prevalence of LPRD in Indian population as assessed by RSI score > 13 was 11%. The prevalence is same in males and females.