Association between Obesity and Chronic Laryngitis in Women - Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between obesity and chronic laryngitis in South Korea using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) collected during 2008-2010. Methods: KNHANES was a cross-sectional survey of the civilian, non-institutionalized population of South Korea (n = 13,819). Obesity status was measured by using BMI and waist circumference. Results: Among the population over 19 years of age, the prevalence of chronic laryngitis was 4.0 ± 0.4%. Chronic laryngitis was significantly associated with age, BMI, waist circumference, fat proportion, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in women. Old age and current smoking were significantly associated with chronic laryngitis in men. Obese women were at a higher risk for chronic laryngitis than women without obesity (odds ratio (OR) 2.022, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.412-2.895) after further adjustment for confounders. Women with abdominal obesity were also at higher risk for chronic laryngitis (OR 1.475, 95% CI 1.024-2.126). Conclusion: Obese women in Korea have an elevated risk for developing chronic laryngitis. Further epidemiological and experimental studies are necessary to clarify the impact of obesity on this condition.

Metabolic Syndrome and Chronic Laryngitis

“…To assess the serum levels of biochemical markers, blood samples were obtained from the antecubital veins of the subjects following an overnight (10–12 hours) fast as described previously. 15 Serum levels of fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured using an enzymatic method (Hitachi Automatic Analyzer 7600, Hitachi, Tokyo, Japan).…”

“…Statistical analyses were performed using the SAS survey procedure (version 9.3; SAS Institute, Cary, NC) to reflect the complex sampling design and sampling weights of KNHANES, and to provide nationally representative prevalence estimates as described previously. 15 The procedures included unequal probabilities of selection, oversampling, and nonresponse in order that inferences could be made regarding adolescent participants.…”

Korean survey data reveals an association of chronic laryngitis with tinnitus in men

“…Chronic disease surveillance programs were conducted through use of a health and nutritional status questionnaire, and physical examination. Detailed methodology of the KNHANES has been described in other studies [ 14 – 16 ].…”

“…Each participant who provided a positive response to a questionnaire item asking whether the participant has experienced voice problems was further screened for CL. These participants were then asked about the duration of their symptoms: “How long have you had this voice problem?” The participants could respond with either “> 3 weeks” or “< 3 weeks.” A laryngeal examination, using a 4-mm, 70°-angled rigid endoscope with a charge-coupled device camera, was performed as described previously [ 14 , 15 ].…”

“…Information regarding medical and social history was investigated using self-reported questionnaires, as described previously [ 14 ]. Participants were divided into the following three groups for smoking history: “current smoker,” “ex-smoker,” and “non-smoker.” Subjects who consumed alcohol more than once per month during the past year were considered as “regular drinkers.” “Regular exercise” was defined as intense physical activity performed for at least 20 minutes, at least 3 times per week.…”