Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a condition in which stomach acid rises into the upper part of the throat, causing irritation and damage to the tissues in the area. Although similar to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), LPR has unique characteristics that require special attention. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies for LPR.
Factors that cause LPR:
- Upper Esophageal Sphincter Dysfunction: The upper esophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle that acts as a valve to prevent stomach acid from flowing back up into the throat. Dysfunction of this sphincter can allow stomach acid to rise into the throat, causing irritation and symptoms of LPR.
- Bad Eating Habits: Consuming certain foods and drinks can trigger or worsen LPR. Spicy, fatty, acidic foods, and caffeine are examples of foods that can increase stomach acid production and stimulate acid reflux.
- Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Smoking and alcohol consumption can weaken the upper esophageal sphincter and increase stomach acid production, which can worsen LPR symptoms.
- Obesity or Overweight: Being overweight can increase pressure on the stomach, causing stomach acid to more easily rise into the throat.
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Symptoms
- Throat Pain: Many people with LPR experience pain, irritation, or difficulty swallowing in the throat area. This pain can feel like a burning sensation or like there is a lump in the throat.
- Chronic Cough: A cough that doesn't go away or a cough that occurs chronically is often the main symptom of LPR. This cough may occur especially at night or after eating.
- Voice Changes: LPR symptoms often affect a person's voice. A hoarse, harsh, or tremulous voice is often a sign that there is irritation of the tissue around the vocal cords from contact with stomach acid.
- Burning in Back of Throat: A burning or burning sensation in the back of the throat, sometimes accompanied by a bitter or sour taste, is a common symptom of LPR that often resembles the heartburn of GERD.
It is important to remember that not everyone with LPR will experience the same symptoms. Some symptoms may be less obvious or even absent altogether. More subtle symptoms such as a chronic cough or voice changes are often overlooked or attributed to other problems, such as allergies or a throat infection. Therefore, it is important to recognize symptoms that may be associated with LPR and consult a doctor for further evaluation if needed.
Management and Treatment of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
- Lifestyle Management Strategies:
- Avoiding Trigger Foods and Drinks: Reduce or avoid foods and drinks that can trigger acid reflux, such as spicy, fatty, acidic foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcoholic beverages. Paying attention to individual trigger foods can help reduce the frequency and severity of LPR symptoms.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can damage the upper esophageal sphincter and increase stomach acid production, increasing the risk of acid reflux. Quitting smoking or reducing exposure to secondhand smoke can help reduce LPR symptoms.
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Being overweight can increase pressure on the abdomen and worsen LPR symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity can help reduce pressure on the abdomen and reduce LPR symptoms.
- Use of Drugs:
- Antacids: Antacids are medications that aim to reduce stomach acidity by neutralizing existing stomach acid. They can help reduce the burning sensation and sore throat caused by LPR.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs are a type of medication that inhibit the production of stomach acid, helping to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. PPIs are effective in controlling LPR symptoms and soothing throat irritation.
- Other Acid-Blocking Medications: In addition to antacids and PPIs, your doctor may also prescribe other acid-blocking medications, such as H2 blockers, to help reduce stomach acid production and relieve LPR symptoms.
- The Important Role of Lifestyle Changes and Medications:
- Healthy lifestyle changes, including avoiding LPR triggers, maintaining ideal body weight, and stopping smoking, are essential in the long-term management of LPR.
- The use of medications such as antacids and PPIs can help control LPR symptoms, but it is important to combine them with lifestyle changes for optimal management.
Conclusion
Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a condition that can interfere with a person’s health and quality of life. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies, individuals with LPR can take the appropriate steps to better manage their condition. It is important to consult a physician for proper evaluation and treatment, as well as to prevent the potential for more serious complications from LPR. With proper treatment, many individuals can experience significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life.
Article written by dr. Febri Arianto Bayu L., Sp.THT-KL (Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Specialist, EMC Cibitung Hospital).