Objective: To explore the clinical manifestations in pediatric laryngopharyngeal reflux and to provide more information on diagnosis and treatment.
Method: Sixty-two cases with recurrent respiratory infections, hoarseness and chronic cough were examined with reflux symptom index (RSI), reflux finding score (RFS), and 24-hour pH monitoring. Those who had at least two positive test for reflux were given PPI for diagnostic therapy.
Result: All patients completed reflux symptom index (RSI) questionnaire and underwent fiberoptic laryngoscopy, and reflux finding score (RFS) was evaluated. The positive rate of RSI and RFS was 91.94% and 79.03% differently. 24-hours pH monitoring and diagnostic therapy was about 30.76% and 85.48% differently. The symptoms show hoarseness 90.32%, postnasal drip 77.42%, difficulty swallowing 74.19%, abdominal pain and chest pain 72.58%, throat clearing 64.52%, chronic cough 56.45%, dysphagia 51.61%, throat abnormal feeling 48.39%. Laryngoscope examination shows inter-arytenoid erythema 100%, vocal mucosal oedema 75.81%, diffuse laryngeal edema 50.00%, posterior commissure hypertrophy 33.87%, subglottic edema 4.84%, no granuloma case. There was 16 cases showing positive in 24-hours pH monitoring test. The positive rate was 30.76%. All cases accepted diagnostic therapy. Fifty-three cases were effective. The positive rate was 85.48%.
Conclusion: There are no clinical presentations specific to pediatric laryngopharyngeal reflux. Patients often present with a wide range of atypical symptoms and signs. RSI questionnaire and RFS may provide diagnostic datas. Primary treatment includes lifestyle and medical therapy.