Dosing of proton pump inhibitors is suboptimal among otolaryngologists treating reflux-induced upper-respiratory disease.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the practice of otolaryngologists treating reflux-induced upper-respiratory disease in a nationwide survey.


METHODS
Survey study using an anonymous questionnaire containing clinical vignettes.


METHODS
The survey was mailed to all 6,899 board-certified fellow members in practice in the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residing in the United States.


RESULTS
One thousand seven hundred twenty questionnaires were returned. Respondents empirically treated reflux-induced upper-respiratory disease with proton pump inhibitors once daily and twice daily 63% and 31%, respectively. Fifteen percent did not instruct their patients on how to take the proton pump inhibitors. Of those who instructed their patients, 22% advised dosing before breakfast, 32% before breakfast and again before dinner, and 46% recommended other timings. When prescribing twice-per-day dosing, 64% responded to give before breakfast and dinner and 28% responded before breakfast and at bedtime.


CONCLUSIONS
Suboptimal dosing of proton pump inhibitors is prevalent among otolaryngologists treating reflux-induced upper-respiratory disease.
Humayun
Fawwaz
F
Department of Academic Internal Medicine, St Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI 48197, USA.
Hoff
Paul T
PT
Robinson
Eileen A
EA
Gunaratnam
Naresh T
NT
D000328:Adult; D000863:Antacids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004435:Eating; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010036:Otolaryngology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
D000863:Antacids; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors