What is LPR?
LPR is a condition that occurs in a person who has gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid produced in the stomach travels up into the oesophagus (the swallowing tube). When this stomach acid reaches the throat, it is called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
What are the symptoms of LPR?
There are many symptoms of LPR, all of them related to sensations in the throat. Fifty per cent of people with LPR have no heartburn symptoms or stomach complaints. When symptoms are present, they include:
- Mild hoarseness
- A sensation of a lump in the throat
- A need to clear the throat
- A sensation of mucus sticking in the throat and/or post-nasal drip
- Chronic cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sore throat
- A red, swollen or irritated voice box
What causes LPR?
LPR is caused by stomach acid travelling up into the throat as a result of GERD. Fortunately, most cases do not require medical care. They can be managed with lifestyle changes. To reduce your chances of developing LPR:
Do not:
- Eat acidic, spicy or fatty foods
- Drink alcohol
- Smoke
- Drink beverages containing caffeine (tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, etc.)
- Eat chocolate
- Eat mint or mint-flavoured foods
- Wear tight or constricting clothing
- Become overly stressed – learn tools to manage or reduce your stress levels
Do:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid eating less than 2 hours before going to bed
Who is affected by LPR?
Anyone can be affected by LPR, but it occurs more often with increasing age. People with certain dietary habits, those who constantly wear tight clothing and those who are overweight and stressed are more prone to laryngopharyngeal reflux.
How is LPR diagnosed?
The diagnosis is usually made on the basis of findings of irritation or swelling in the throat, more specifically at the back of the voice box. Most of the time, no further tests are needed to make the diagnosis. If tests are required, the three most commonly used are a swallowing study, a direct look into the stomach and oesophagus with an endoscope, and a pH test.
How is LPR treated and how can it be prevented?
There are treatment options for people who have LPR. Most treatments can also be used as preventive measures:
- Follow a bland diet (low in acid, low in fat, not spicy)
- Eat frequent, small meals
- Lose weight
- Avoid the use of alcohol, tobacco and caffeine
- Do not eat less than 2 hours before going to bed
- Raise the head of the bed before sleeping. Place a firm, stable object (such as a board) under the upper part of the mattress. This will help to elevate your head and upper body, which will help to prevent stomach acid from coming back up into the throat.
- Avoid clearing your throat
- Take over-the-counter medicines, including antacids or proton pump inhibitors. Take medicines, both prescribed and over-the-counter, only as directed.
- In very severe cases, surgery may be recommended as a treatmenterkankaratas.com.tr
What can happen if LPR is left untreated?
Untreated LPR can lead to: sore throat; chronic cough; swelling of the vocal folds; ulcers (open sores) on the vocal folds; the formation of granulomas (masses) in the throat; and worsening of asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. Untreated LPR may also play a role in the development of cancer of the voice box.
What is the outlook for LPR?
The outlook for LPR is very good, because most of the causes can be controlled if a healthy lifestyle is followed. However, if LPR is not diagnosed, the affected person may experience the medical conditions mentioned above as well as delayed recovery.