Reflux Symptom Index (RSI)
Reflux Symptom Index (Belafsky 2002): 9 symptom items each 0-5; total 0-45 and > 13 suggests laryngopharyngeal reflux.
Open the calculator → Runs in your browser. Data leaves only if you deliberately send a problem report from the interactive tool.
Example
- Hoarseness / voice problem
- 3
- Throat clearing
- 3
- Excess mucus / postnasal drip
- 3
- Difficulty swallowing
- 3
- Cough after eating or lying down
- 3
Result: Reflux Symptom Index 15 of 45 — suggests LPR (> 13).
The tool opens with these values already filled in. Replace them with your own.
What the result means
- <= 13
- Within normal limits.
- > 13
- Suggests laryngopharyngeal reflux (9 symptom items each 0-5). A symptom score, not a diagnosis.
What you enter
- Hoarseness / voice problem (0-5)
- Throat clearing (0-5)
- Excess mucus / postnasal drip (0-5)
- Difficulty swallowing (0-5)
- Cough after eating or lying down (0-5)
- Breathing difficulty / choking (0-5)
- Troublesome / annoying cough (0-5)
- Globus / lump in throat (0-5)
- Heartburn / chest pain / reflux (0-5)
How this is calculated
Belafsky PC, Postma GN, Koufman JA. Validity and reliability of the reflux symptom index (RSI). J Voice. 2002;16(2):274-277. Read the source ↗
A reference and educational tool. Not medical, legal, or financial advice, and not a substitute for clinician judgment.