Gastrolaryn® Stick Use After Proton Pump Inhibitor Treatment in Patients with Suspected Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: A Multicentre, Uncontrolled Practice-Based Cohort Study

Background: Persistent laryngopharyngeal symptoms are frequently managed empirically in otolaryngological practice, although symptom-based diagnosis and treatment responses are nonspecific. This multicentre, uncontrolled practice-based cohort describes symptom scores during a predefined sequence of esomeprazole followed by use of an alginate-containing food supplement (Gastrolaryn® Stick). Methods: Seventeen Italian otolaryngologists enrolled 261 adults and recorded Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) assessments at baseline (T0), after eight weeks of esomeprazole 40 mg daily (T1), and after eight additional weeks during which the supplement was prescribed (T2). Analyses were descriptive and used visit-specific available observations. Results: A baseline total RSI was reported for 260 participants; follow-up observations were available for 161 at T1 and 167 at T2. Mean RSI scores (±SD) were 20.4 ± 6.3, 9.8 ± 6.5, and 8.4 ± 6.6, respectively. The 1.4-point difference between T1 and T2 is a comparison of different available-case samples, not a paired within-patient change. No adverse events attributed to the supplement were recorded in the available follow-up reports. Conclusions: Symptom scores were lower at follow-up than at baseline in the observed samples. Without a comparable untreated group, linked repeated measurements, or complete follow-up, the contribution of the supplement to the symptom trajectory cannot be established.