RSI (Reflux Symptom Index) Test

Welcome to the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) Test

How this Test works is for each of the statements you choose a rating of 0-5 on how much each condition effects you. If no have no problem with it you score yourself a 0, if you have a severe problem with it you score a 5.

Once the test is completed you will be provided a total score.

PS. Because their is no real gold standard when it comes to diagnosing LPR the RSI test is actually one of the more reliable ways of helping to confirm LPR. It's one of the first and arguably simple yet best ways currently to help diagnose LPR as used by experts in the field.

1. 
Hoarseness of problem with your voice

2. 
Clearing your throat

3. 
Excess throat mucus or post nasal drip

4. 
Difficulty swallowing

5. 
Coughing after eating or lying down

6. 
Breathing difficulty or problems

7. 
Chronic or annoying cough

8. 
Lump in throat feeling (Globus sensation)

9. 
Heartburn, chest pain or indigestion

178 thoughts on “RSI (Reflux Symptom Index) Test”

  1. I have struggled with post nasal drip for years and recently had to have vocal cord surgery for leukoplakia growth. I also have trouble getting air in and scored 28 on the test. I suspect I have LPR considering all these factors but only notice heartburn maybe once a year. It may be the cause for the leukoplakia, but that has not been discussed. What treatment options do I have? Anything I can do without medications?

    1. Yes, it’s definitely possible to have LPR without regular heartburn. Many people mainly get throat symptoms like post nasal drip, hoarseness, throat clearing, breathing issues, and vocal cord irritation instead.

      I can’t say whether reflux caused the leukoplakia, but chronic reflux irritation is sometimes linked to vocal cord problems.

      Without medication, the main things that may help are avoiding late-night eating, reducing trigger foods/drinks, smaller meals, not lying down after eating, and elevating the head of the bed. Some people also find alginates like Gaviscon Advance or Reflux Gourmet helpful.

      A lot of people do improve with consistent diet and lifestyle changes over time.

  2. scored 15 on rsi. my gp doesnt think i have lpr because my barium swallow was
    normal and my vocal cords show no scarring. my ent is treating me with allergy shots. my new ent just started me on ppi’s and h-2 blockers and low fat/acid
    diet. been 2 weeks no change in symptoms. what are your thoughts. desperate
    for help, suffering with postnasal drip and chronic cough and throat clearing
    for 6 months. thanks, john

    1. While 15 is not a very high score it’s still a good indicator that you have LPR. I’d be quite confident that is your problem. The allergy shots haven’t helped because it’s not related to that. I would suggest a low acid diet like my Wipeout Diet plan along with taking an alginate medicine like Gaviscon advance (UK). You may be doing a low acid diet right now though I’d guess there are still things you are eating that would makes things worse and stop you from feeling better. Hence I’d recommend my diet so you can see the important differences. In addition drink alkaline water and make an alkaline water spray with water and bicarbonate of soda and spray into your throat and nose. Email me and I can explain how to do that in more detail.

  3. Hi David,
    Chronic sore throat is one of the most common symptoms of LPR, yet sore throat is not included in the RSI test. Any idea why? Sore throat is my main, ever present symptom and I have read about LPR patients whose ONLY symptom is sore throat.

    1. Well there are other questions that are tied to it basically, such as hoarseness, coughing, lump in throat etc. That’s the main reason I would say. Of course the test is not perfect but just a general good indicator. If you think you have LPR and sore throat is your only symptom it is still possible.

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