Belafsky et al developed the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) to evaluate patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). This can aid in initial evaluation and monitoring over time. The authors are from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Patient selection: laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)
Parameters:
(1) hoarseness or problem with voice
(2) clearing the throat
(3) excess throat mucus and/or postnasal drip
(4) difficult swallowing
(5) coughing after eating or lying down
(6) choking episodes or difficulties breathing
(7) annoying or troublesome cough
(8) lump in the throat and/or something sticking in the throat
(9) heartburn, indigestion, stomach acid coming up or chest pain
|
Response
|
Points
|
|
no problem
|
0
|
|
minimal problem
|
1
|
|
mild problem
|
2
|
|
moderate problem
|
3
|
|
moderate to severe problem
|
4
|
|
severe problem
|
5
|
total score =
= SUM(points for all 9 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 45
• The higher the score the more severe the symptoms.
• The score declines with successful therapy of the reflux.
Performance:
• The authors found that the RSI was highly reproducible with excellent construct and criterion-based validity.
