What you should know about Larynopharyngeal Reflux

Most people are familiar with acid reflux or have even experienced acid reflux symptoms at one point or another. What they may not realize is that there are actually two types of reflux: traditional acid reflux, also known as GERD, and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). 

What Is LPR?

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (or LPR) is a condition in which stomach juice refluxes up through the esophagus into the back of the throat. It’s often referred to as silent reflux because it doesn’t have most of the symptoms of acid reflux. Laryngopharyngeal reflux happens when stomach acid backs up all the way into the voice box or throat. The voice box and throat are much more sensitive to stomach acid than the esophagus is. While GERD and LPR occur in the same way, they have different symptoms. 

What Are Symptoms Of LPR?

·  Hoarseness

·  Continual throat clearing or irritation

·  Persistent coughing

·  Shortness of breath

·  Sore throat

·  Difficult or painful swallowing

Diagnosing LPR

Unfortunately, silent reflux is much harder to diagnose and usually goes untreated. In order to diagnose silent reflux, your doctor may need to perform the following tests: 

     • 24 hour impedance/pH testing

     • 48 hour capsule pH testing

     • Esophageal manometry

     • Barium esophagram

LPR Treatment 

 The most common treatment approaches for patients suffering with LPR typically involve lifestyle changes and/or medication. Lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, limiting or avoiding alcohol intake, and avoiding foods that trigger LPR symptoms. If lifestyle changes do not resolve your symptoms, medications such as sucralfate or Antacids can be helpful In some instances, surgery may be necessary in order to successfully treat reflux. 

In many silent reflux cases, patients don’t even realize that their symptoms are caused by reflux as many actually confuse the source of their symptoms.If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, schedule an appointment to meet one of  our reflux specialists at Tampa Bay Reflux Center.