Peptest has been described as a very useful tool for singers seeking diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in an article published in the latest issue of Ent & Audiology News.
The award-winning bi-monthly magazine for otolaryngologists, rhinologists, audiologists and related specialists delves into the different options for investigating reflux disease.
Previous studies have indicated that singers are at a greater risk of developing reflux disease. Yet they are often reluctant to undergo invasive tests – such as high-res oesophageal manometry tests – for fear of damaging their larynx during the testing process.
Common symptoms of LPR include dysphonia (voice disorders), globus sensation (feeling of something caught in the throat), throat clearing, thick mucus in the throat, sore or dry throat, and spells of coughing and choking.
In the article, authored by Mark G Watson, a Consultant ENT Surgeon and Laryngologist, and Jane Shaw, Consultant Speech and Language Therapist (both at Doncaster Royal Infirmary NHS Hospital), pepsin testing is described as a cheap and non-invasive option that can be used to collect samples after singing tasks.
It summarises that: “Pepsin testing offers a cheap and non-invasive option that allows singers to perform singing tasks during the sample collection period, providing a more representative test result.
“Pepsin testing is a very useful first choice tool for establishing which patients with throat symptoms have significant reflux disease. If problems persist following a negative pepsin test, then manometry/pH monitoring can be considered (these tests are normally carried out together).”
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