Effects of a Proton-Pump Inhibitor on Postnasal Drip Symptoms in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is an increasingly common disease, characterized by stomach acid reflux reaching the upper airways. Postnasal drip (PND) is a known consequence of LPR, defined as mucus accumulation perceived in the posterior areas of the nose and throat. PND is among the most common causes of persistent cough, hoarseness, sore throat, and other symptoms, affecting the quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) on PND symptoms in patients with LPR.

We prospectively enrolled patients diagnosed with LPR at our institution between September 2019 and June 2020. The patients were randomly assigned to either the treatment group (20 mg of ilaprazole daily for 8 weeks) or the control group. The scores for the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Reflux Finding Score (RFS), and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-20 were evaluated at baseline and at the end of treatment, focusing on PND symptoms.

Eighty patients (28 men and 52 women; mean age, 48.8 years, range, 22-78 years) were enrolled, with 43 in the treatment group and 37 in the control group. The initial RSI, RFS, and SNOT-20 scores were similar between the two groups, and they decreased significantly only in the treatment group (p=0.002, p<0.001, and p=0.015, respectively). However, the PND symptom scores showed a significant decrease in the treatment group only in the RSI (p=0.012).

PPI treatment for 8 weeks may be effective in improving PND symptoms in patients with LPR.