Laryngopharyngeal Reflux – Difficulties in treatment during Covid pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Covid-19 as a pandemic has resulted fear of unknown and as a remedy in our population many have turned to home remedies for immune boosting as well as commercially available immune boosters. Most are spices and with overuse tend to cause reflux diseases.  

 Materials and Methods: 52 subjects were chosen and there data was analysed, in 4 zones with sharing geographic borders. Subjects with known gastritis/ gastric surgeries / taking drugs prone to gastritis were excluded from the study. Videolaryngoscopy was done in all subjects during the presentation and in the monthly follow up period.

Results: Males were commonly affected. 44% of cases were attributed to overuse of immune boosters.  The most common presenting symptoms were foreign body sensation, frequent throat clearing and dysphagia. Only 7 patients had voice change. All patients benefitted with PPI with prokinetics and counselling. 98% of patients needed VLS pictures/ video for counselling.

Conclusion: Immune booster intake should be moderated and side effects should be taught to population while taking the same. Anxiety induced LPRD can be treated without anti-anxiety drugs with proper education of the condition to the patient and relaxation techniques.