Peak nasal inspiratory airflow measurements for assessing laryngopharyngeal reflux treatment

Objectives To evaluate the effect of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and antireflux treatment on peak nasal inspiratory airflow (PNIF). Design Prospective observational study was conducted. Setting Tertiary otorhinolaryngology clinic. Participants Adults with LPR and healthy controls. Main outcome measures PNIF measurements were performed on 60 patients who applied with complaints suggestive of LPR having higher Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) (>13) and Reflux Finding Scores (RFS) scores (>7). Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment was started and PNIF measurements were repeated two months later. A total of 100 patients without any history of LPR and sinonasal disease were included in the study. Results A statistically significant increase was observed in PNIF values after proton pump inhibitor treatment. The mean PNIF values of the LPR patients were 133.83 ± 27.99 L/min and 149.92 ± 23.23 L/min before and after treatment, respectively. The mean PNIF value in the control group was 145.0 ± 25.92 L/min. PNIF values were significantly lower in the LPR relative to the control group (P