What is Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)?
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) occurs when food or stomach acids flow back up into the larynx (voice box) or pharynx (throat). This backflow, or reflux, can occur at anytime —day or night, whether a person has eaten or not.
Do I suffer from LPR?
Symptoms will vary depending upon the individual. Indications of LPR include hoarseness, chronic cough or clearing of the throat, feeling of a lump in the throat, excessive throat mucus, difficulty swallowing or heartburn. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, especially if you smoke, you should talk to your doctor about LPR. If your symptoms indicate the possibility of LPR, a fiberoptic office examination of the throat is required to observe the voice box. If this area appears swollen and/or red, you may have LPR. At that point, further tests may be recommended or treatment initiated.
How do you treat LPR?
Treatment is individually tailored to each patient who suffers from LPR.
Your doctor will prescribe the best plan of therapy for you, which may include:
• Changing daily habits and diet to reduce reflux
• Prescribed medications to reduce stomach acid
• Surgery to prevent reflux
Silent Reflux Can Cause:
• Hoarseness
• Chronic Cough
• Chronic Throat Clearing
• A Lump in the Throat
|
• Excessive Throat Mucus
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Heartburn |
For more information on LPR, please contact our office.
Click here to download a PDF of our LPR brochure.
This brochure requires Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, please
click here for a free download from adobe.com
|
