Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
What is laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)?
LPR is an irritation and swelling of the area of the voicebox that can cause a constellation of symptoms. It can be similar to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) but not every patient with LPR has symptoms of GERD – it is often ‘silent’ reflux so to speak. In fact, you may not feel the typical ‘heartburn’ at all.
It is more common in people who have a hiatal hernia, have certain dietary habits, are overweight, or are overstressed. There is no magical pill to make the problem go away. It requires dedicated lifestyle changes and, sometimes, stomach acid medications. to add paragraph to your block, write your own text and edit me.
LPR is an irritation and swelling of the area of the voicebox that can cause a constellation of symptoms. It can be similar to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) but not every patient with LPR has symptoms of GERD – it is often ‘silent’ reflux so to speak. In fact, you may not feel the typical ‘heartburn’ at all.
It is more common in people who have a hiatal hernia, have certain dietary habits, are overweight, or are overstressed. There is no magical pill to make the problem go away. It requires dedicated lifestyle changes and, sometimes, stomach acid medications. to add paragraph to your block, write your own text and edit me.
What are the symptoms of LPR?• Throat clearing, throat phlegm, the sensation of post-nasal drip• Cough, night-time cough, night-time choking• Acid taste in the back of the throat in the morning• Hoarseness, voice cracking, voice fatigue, loss of singing range• Scratchy, irritated throat, or sore throat• Lump in the throat sensation or sensation of food sticking
Note: you may have 1 or more of these symptoms
What is the treatment of LPR?• Weight loss• Elevation of the head of the bed 4-6 inches (it is better to use bed risers under the mattress instead of pillows)• Avoid caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, spearmint, carbonated beverages• Cut back, or quit smoking• Increase the amount of water you drink daily• Avoid eating at least 4 hours before bed• Avoid spicy and fatty foods for your evening meal• Do not exercise or lie down immediately after eating• Medications may be prescribed by your doctor – e.g. proton pump inhibitors
After starting any of these treatments, it may take weeks to a few months to see symptom improvement.
What is the treatment of LPR?• Weight loss• Elevation of the head of the bed 4-6 inches (it is better to use bed risers under the mattress instead of pillows)• Avoid caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, spearmint, carbonated beverages• Cut back, or quit smoking• Increase the amount of water you drink daily• Avoid eating at least 4 hours before bed• Avoid spicy and fatty foods for your evening meal• Do not exercise or lie down immediately after eating• Medications may be prescribed by your doctor – e.g. proton pump inhibitors
After starting any of these treatments, it may take weeks to a few months to see symptom improvement.