Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) Advice
Causes of LPR
LPR occurs secondary to the reflux of stomach enzymes and acid in to the throat. This can occur in liquid or aerosol (burp) form. Lifestyle factors such as consuming alcohol, caffeine, smoking or being overweight are likely causes. Diet also plays an important role with spicy, fatty foods, chocolate and even acidic fruit and vegetables contributing to symptoms of LPR. There are a wide range of LPR symptoms.
Symptoms
- Sensation of food sticking or feeling of something in the throat (FOSIT)
- Hoarseness
- Throat clearing/chronic cough
- Tickly/scratchy/burning sensations in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing (especially tablets or solid foods)
- Sore, dry throat
- Unpleasant taste at back of mouth
- Coughing or choking after lying down
- Burping/bad breath (particularly daytime)
- Sensation of post nasal drip
Lifestyle Changes
Even small lifestyle choices, such as reduction in caffeinated or carbonated drinks, can make a big difference. Often medication is not required if these improvements are adhered to.
- Smaller, more frequent meals
- Do not eat within 3 hours of bed
- Do not smoke
- Alkaline/neutral foods
- Replace the majority of daily fluid intake with still water
- Reduce alcohol (>5 nights alcohol free per week )
- Raise end of bed
- Dental chewing gum
Treatment Plans
Should lifestyle changes fail to improve the symptoms then medication may be prescribed by your doctor. Please see the section below for further information with regard the dose, timing and duration of the medication regimes you have been directed to follow.