The purpose of this investigation was to determine if drinking alkaline water without making other dietary, lifestyle, or medication changes would positively impact symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Symptom indicators were measured and analyzed, including Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) scores and total scores, including general-health and LPR-related quality of life measurements. In this nonconcurrent single-subject multiple probe AB design across subjects, four participants completed a 22-day intervention phase during which they drank 64 ounces of alkaline water. Web-based surveys were sent to participants during the control phase and experimental phases to collect data on LPR-related symptoms and quality of life. LPR symptoms analyzed were voice, cough, throat clearing, swallow, and reflux. The four participants demonstrated varying levels of improvement in throat-related LPR symptoms, RSI scores, and total scores. Mixed results were seen with the specific symptom of reflux; three experienced reduced reflux symptoms while one had increased symptoms. This investigation supported previous research that indicated alkaline water could effectively treat LPR symptoms but did not support to use fo alkaline water to treat typical gastroesophageal reflux symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and indigestion.
