A persistent cough, itchy throat, and irritation in the throat or hoarse voice without a cold causing you to often clear the throat may seem annoying. After all having tried allergy medications, decongestants, and antibiotics that make you drowsy, the continuing throat problem is baffling.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux, airway reflux, reflux laryngitis, or atypical reflux, is a common disease of modern age.
What causes Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)?
Reflux of acid or bile causes the condition.
Some symptoms
A sore throat, persistent cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing, feeling of a lump in the throat, hoarse voice, difficulty in swallowing, and ear pain.
Seeking medical attention
If you have a sore throat, painful swallowing, cough, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness for 10-14 days, you should seek medical attention.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is mostly based on symptoms, and an endoscopic examination of the voice box and throat performed as well as response to initial treatment. In some cases, an upper endoscopy examination to evaluate the stomach and oesophagus for inflammation, ulcers, or any abnormal lesion may be recommended.
Treatment for Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)?
Treatment will vary following the severity of symptoms.
• Changes to your diet, including avoiding spicy foods, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, citrus beverages or foods, and alcohol
• Avoiding large meals
• Eating three hours or more before going to bed
• Elevating the head eight inches when sleeping
• Stop Smoking
• Losing weight in case overweight
• Your doctor may also recommend antacids reduce acid production in the stomach for a few weeks or longer
• Stronger medicines may be prescribed if diet and lifestyle changes have not worked.
Complications arising from untreated LPR
If LPR is left untreated, patients may experience vocal cord lesions like polyps or granulomas, chronic laryngitis, or asthma.
For specific diagnosis and treatment please contact our doctors.