What is Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, and how does it differ from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, or LPR, is reflux of stomach acid into the throat. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is reflux into the swallowing tube, or esophagus. The esophagus has built-in mechanisms to protect itself from reflux (like mucus and enzymes). It takes more than 50 episodes of reflux into the esophagus before you become symptomatic (typically with heartburn, chest discomfort, or burning). The throat, on the other hand, does not have any mechanisms to protect itself from reflux. Therefore, as little as 2-4 episodes of reflux per day, if it reaches the throat, can be enough to give you symptoms of LPR. In this case, most patients do not experience heartburn, chest discomfort, or burning. What are the common symptoms of LPR? Hoarseness Swallowing difficulty Lump in throat sensation Frequent throat clearing Increased phlegm or mucus Chronic cough Heartburn (in less than 40% of patients) What is the treatment of LPR? 1. You will need to avoid foods that may irritate the l
