Laryngopharyngeal Symptoms in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Objectives:

Report the prevalence and severity of laryngo-pharyngeal symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared with controls.

Methods:

A total of 27 patients with COPD and 13 controls matched according to age and sex were included. Demographic data included age, sex, history of smoking, and history of allergic rhinitis. The Reflux Symptom Index described by Belafsky et al was used. The frequency and average score of each of the laryngopharyngeal symptoms in both the patient group and controls were computed.

Results:

The mean age of patients was 61.67 years ± 11.09 years. Sixty-three percent were males and 37% were females. Ninety-two percent were smokers and 11.1% had allergic rhinitis. The mean of total Reflux Symptom Index in patients was significantly higher compared with controls (12.70 ± 7.06 vs 3.00 ± 2.94, P value <.05). In the COPD group, 18 subjects had a positive Reflux Symptom Index (>11) compared with 1 in the control group (P value <.05). There was also a significant difference between the means of 6 laryngopharyngeal symptoms in patients versus controls. COPD patients had higher degree of hoarseness, throat clearing, excessive throat mucus, cough, and sticking sensation in the throat.

Conclusions:

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is more prevalent in COPD patients versus controls. The frequency and severity of laryngopharyngeal symptoms is significantly higher in COPD patients.