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LPR, Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
LPR, Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
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Laryngopharyngeal Reflux or LPR is a little known
disorder that can cause major problems if left
untreated. LPR is caused by the backflow of stomach
acids and food particles up through the esophagus
all the way to the voice box or larynx and pharynx.
LPR may not be associated with eating and can
occur at any time of day or night. If you suffer from
acid reflux heartburn it does not mean that you are
subject to LPR. The difference being the extent of the
reflux travels in the esophagus. Acid reflux heartburn
in most cases only affects the lower portion of the
esophagus.
It is an interesting fact that many people who do
suffer from Laryngopharyngeal Reflux may not even
suffer from the effects of heartburn at all. The reason
for this is that the refluxed material does not stay in
the esophagus long enough to cause the pain and
symptoms of classic acid reflux. A major portion of
the acid reflux ends up in the throat where due to its
sensitive nature extensive damage can occur.
The symptoms of LPR include chronic hoarseness,
throat clearing and coughing. Many people also
describe the feeling of a constant lump or obstruction
in their throat. In addition you may also have the
classic symptoms of acid reflux heartburn as well.
Another symptom comes in the form of chronic nasal
drainage into the throat which causes a cough or
constant throat clearing. If you have these symptoms
then you should contact an ENT (Ear, Nose and
Throat) doctor also called an Otolaryngologist.
Ignoring these symptoms especially if you are a
smoker can lead to a serious medical condition.
The doctor will conduct an exam and may require
some additional tests to determine if you indeed have
LPR. The two most common tests used to diagnose
LPR include a Barium swallow and a 24 hour
esophageal PH test. You may find that your ENT will
schedule you for both tests since the result provide
different information. The Barium swallow is normally
done as an outpatient procedure at the local hospital.
Basically you will be required to swallow a chalky
solution while standing in front of an x-ray machine.
This test will tell the doctor how you are swallowing
and if there is any abnormality in throat area.
The second test is called a Ph-metry test and it
basically will monitor the Ph levels in your esophagus
over a 24 hour period. The test is begun in either the
doctor’s office or the local hospital. Many people find
the testing procedure either annoying or
uncomfortable but it is critical for a proper diagnosis
of LPR. The test is begun by inserting a small soft
inflatable tube into your nose and down in to the
esophagus. Once inserted it is attached to a belt held
computer that is worn around your waist. You will be
required to wear these devices for a 24 hour period.
Once the doctor has reviewed the data and made his
or her diagnosis you will be given a number of
treatment options. In almost all case it will require a
lifestyle changes in order to be effective. This
especially true if you are a smoker continuing to
smoke while suffering from laryngopharyngeal reflux
disorder can in many cases lead to serious
consequences including cancer of the throat. Many
people will be asked to change their diet and add
exercise to their daily routine. Specific medications
may be prescribed to temporarily reduce stomach
acid until the lifestyle changes are completed. In rare
cases surgery to repair the lower sphincter muscle or
LES may be necessary to prevent acid reflux
heartburn and LPR.
As stated before ignoring LPR can lead to serious
problems. These include noisy breathing, choking
episodes, breathing problems like asthma or
bronchitis as well as cancer of the esophagus, voice
box and throat.
LPR, Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
disorder that can cause major problems if left
untreated. LPR is caused by the backflow of stomach
acids and food particles up through the esophagus
all the way to the voice box or larynx and pharynx.
LPR may not be associated with eating and can
occur at any time of day or night. If you suffer from
acid reflux heartburn it does not mean that you are
subject to LPR. The difference being the extent of the
reflux travels in the esophagus. Acid reflux heartburn
in most cases only affects the lower portion of the
esophagus.
It is an interesting fact that many people who do
suffer from Laryngopharyngeal Reflux may not even
suffer from the effects of heartburn at all. The reason
for this is that the refluxed material does not stay in
the esophagus long enough to cause the pain and
symptoms of classic acid reflux. A major portion of
the acid reflux ends up in the throat where due to its
sensitive nature extensive damage can occur.
The symptoms of LPR include chronic hoarseness,
throat clearing and coughing. Many people also
describe the feeling of a constant lump or obstruction
in their throat. In addition you may also have the
classic symptoms of acid reflux heartburn as well.
Another symptom comes in the form of chronic nasal
drainage into the throat which causes a cough or
constant throat clearing. If you have these symptoms
then you should contact an ENT (Ear, Nose and
Throat) doctor also called an Otolaryngologist.
Ignoring these symptoms especially if you are a
smoker can lead to a serious medical condition.
The doctor will conduct an exam and may require
some additional tests to determine if you indeed have
LPR. The two most common tests used to diagnose
LPR include a Barium swallow and a 24 hour
esophageal PH test. You may find that your ENT will
schedule you for both tests since the result provide
different information. The Barium swallow is normally
done as an outpatient procedure at the local hospital.
Basically you will be required to swallow a chalky
solution while standing in front of an x-ray machine.
This test will tell the doctor how you are swallowing
and if there is any abnormality in throat area.
The second test is called a Ph-metry test and it
basically will monitor the Ph levels in your esophagus
over a 24 hour period. The test is begun in either the
doctor’s office or the local hospital. Many people find
the testing procedure either annoying or
uncomfortable but it is critical for a proper diagnosis
of LPR. The test is begun by inserting a small soft
inflatable tube into your nose and down in to the
esophagus. Once inserted it is attached to a belt held
computer that is worn around your waist. You will be
required to wear these devices for a 24 hour period.
Once the doctor has reviewed the data and made his
or her diagnosis you will be given a number of
treatment options. In almost all case it will require a
lifestyle changes in order to be effective. This
especially true if you are a smoker continuing to
smoke while suffering from laryngopharyngeal reflux
disorder can in many cases lead to serious
consequences including cancer of the throat. Many
people will be asked to change their diet and add
exercise to their daily routine. Specific medications
may be prescribed to temporarily reduce stomach
acid until the lifestyle changes are completed. In rare
cases surgery to repair the lower sphincter muscle or
LES may be necessary to prevent acid reflux
heartburn and LPR.
As stated before ignoring LPR can lead to serious
problems. These include noisy breathing, choking
episodes, breathing problems like asthma or
bronchitis as well as cancer of the esophagus, voice
box and throat.
LPR, Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
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| By James Kesel,MS |
