Reflux finding score is a tool developed to determine if findings noted in the larynx, or voice box, are consistent with changes due to stomach acid refluxing into the throat. A laryngoscopy is performed and eight separate areas are examined and graded as listed below. Scores are added together and the overall number is calculated. Any score above eleven confirms the presence of reflux in the throat, known as laryngopharyngeal reflux, or LPR. (Source: Belafsky et al.19, with permission from Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.)
RFS
Finding
Score
Subglottic edema
2 = present
Ventricular obliteration
2 = partial
4 = complete
Erythema/hyperemia
2 = arytenoids only
4 = diffuse
Vocal cord edema
1 = mild
2 = moderate
3 = severe
4 = polypoid
Diffuse laryngeal edema
1 = mild
2 = moderate
3 = severe
4 = obstructing
Posterior commissure hypertrophy
1 = mild
2 = moderate
3 = severe
4 = obstructing
Granuloma/granulation
2 = present
0 = absent
Thick endolaryngeal mucus/other
2 = present
0 = absent