Analysis of effects of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease and proton pump inhibitor treatment on Eustachian tube function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea

Objective: This study aims to explore the effects of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment on Eustachian tube function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: The Eustachian tube score-7 (ETS-7) was observed before and after PPI treatment in the control group, OSA only group, and OSA + LPRD group. Results: Age, sex, smoking history, and drinking history showed no differences among 3 groups (P &gt; .05). The body mass index (BMI) in the control group was lower than that in other groups (P &lt; .017). Before PPI treatment, the abnormality rate of ETS-7 in the OSA + LPRD group statistically differed from that in the control group and the OSA only group (P &lt; .017). After PPI treatment, the abnormality rate of ETS-7 in the OSA + LPRD group exhibited no significant differences compared with that in the control group and the OSA only group (P &gt; .017), and it declined remarkably compared with that before PPI treatment (75% vs 35%, χ2 = 13.334, P = .001). Moreover, the multivariate analysis revealed that only LPRD had an independent correlation with the abnormality of ETS-7 (OR = 1.245, 95% CI: 1.759–6.861, P = .000). Conclusion: In view of its high incidence in OSA patients, LPRD may be a considerable factor for the high incidence of abnormality rate of ETS-7 in OSA patients, and PPI therapy is of significant value in improving Eustachian tube function in OSA patients with LPRD. </jats:p