What is LPR?
LPR, or Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, is when the contents of your stomach flow back up your esophagus to your throat and airways. LPR is also known as airway reflux and silent reflux. LPR causes symptoms by irritating or injuring your airways.
Common LPR symptoms include:
Sore throat
Feeling of a lump in your throat (globus pharyngeus)
Cough or frequent throat clearing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Sinus irritation
Post-nasal drip
Hoarseness and other vocal disorders
If you have LPR, you should know there are many treatment options, but it may take work to find the ones that work for you. Because LPR can have many complex causes, there isn't a pill that helps everyone. Treatments that can help include:
Diet and lifestyle changes
Reflux-blocking medications
Acid-reducing medications
Neurological medications
Laryngeal massage
How LPR Happens
Stomach contents reflux (flow back up) your esophagus (number 4 in the diagram)
The reflux deposits harmful chemicals in your airways, including:
the pharynx, which is divided into:
the nasopharynx (1) which is behind your nose
the oropharynx (2) at the back of your mouth -- what your doctor looks at when asking you to say "aah"
the larynx (3) or voice box
your lungs
and other areas connected via airways, including the mouth, nose, sinuses, and inner ears.
Unlike the esophagus, which has lots of protection against the chemicals in your stomach, these airways can be injured by even a brief exposure to reflux. Just a splash of reflux -- even if it's not very acidic -- can hurt your airways and lead to inflammation , discomfort, and other symptoms. When treating LPR it's important to try to reduce or eliminate reflux events, and help your airways heal after those events.
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