Can psyllium improve laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms? Original paper

In this 16-week randomized controlled trial in 505 adults with laryngopharyngeal reflux (acid reflux that affects the throat and voice box), adding psyllium to standard therapy improved clinical outcomes more than standard therapy either alone or combined with prokinetics.

This Study Summary was published on June 2, 2025.

The study

The researchers divided the participants into 3 groups:

  • Standard therapy (pantoprazole) and 20 grams of psyllium husk daily
  • Standard therapy and prokinetics (domperidone; agents that stimulate muscles in the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract)
  • Standard therapy alone

All of the participants received advice on lifestyle modifications.

The psyllium group had a higher symptom resolution rate (82%) than the standard therapy and prokinetics group (75%) or standard therapy alone group (65%). The participants who took psyllium also had a bigger (better) reduction in symptom scores (both as reported by the participant and in clinical assessments), a shorter time to significant symptom improvement, and higher adherence rates.

The researchers did not preregister the trial or adjust for multiple comparisons.

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The results

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This Study Summary was published on June 2, 2025.