Associations among Self-Reported Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, Allergic Symptoms, and Type of Dysphonia

Introduction: Dysphonia is defined as a change in voice timber, pitch, or loudness. Precipitating factors may be occupational or health-related, such as allergy and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Objective: To investigate the association between combined LPR, and allergic rhinitis (AR), and type of dysphonia, that is, functional versus non-functional. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients with dysphonia who presented to the Voice Unit at a tertiary referral center between November 2018 and February 2022 was conducted. Patients must have previously filled out the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and AR questionnaires to be recruited. Based on laryngeal examination, the etiology of dysphonia was stratified as functional versus non-functional (referred to as structural/neurologic). Results: = 0.008). Conclusion: Patients with dysphonia and history of LPR and allergy are more likely to have a functional underlying etiology.