Quantifying Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Singers: Perceptual and Objective Findings

Overview

Journal Biomed Res Int

Publisher Wiley

Specialties Biomedical Engineering
Biotechnology
General Medicine

Date 2017 Nov 4

PMID 29098155

Citations 2

Authors

Adam T Lloyd

Bari Hoffman Ruddy

Erin Silverman

Vicki M Lewis

Jeffrey J Lehman

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms and oropharyngeal pH levels in singers. We hypothesized that reported symptoms would correlate with objective measures of pH levels from the oropharynx, including the number and total duration of reflux episodes. Twenty professional/semiprofessional singers completed the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and underwent oropharyngeal pH monitoring. Mild, moderate, or severe pH exposure was recorded during oropharyngeal pH monitoring. Correlations were performed to examine potential relationships between reflux symptoms and duration of LPR episodes. Symptom severity did not correlate with pH levels; however, we found a number of covariances of interest. Large sample sizes are necessary to determine if true correlations exist. Our results suggest that singers may exhibit enhanced sensitivity to LPR and may therefore manifest symptoms, even in response to subtle changes in pH. This study emphasizes the importance of sensitive and objective measures of reflux severity as well as consideration of the cumulative time of reflux exposure in addition to the number of reflux episodes.

Citing Articles

Singing Style, Vocal Habits, and General Health of Professional Singers.

Santos S, Montagner T, Bastilha G, Frigo L, Cielo C Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2019; 23(4):e445-e450.

PMID: 31649766 PMC: 6805201. DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1693140.

Rangarajan A, Selvaraj J, Santhanam D Clin Med Insights Ear Nose Throat. 2019; 12:1179550619831049.

PMID: 30872919 PMC: 6407164. DOI: 10.1177/1179550619831049.

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