Acid Reflux Part 3 - Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
While Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) is cited in some journals as a part of GERD, it presents its own set of symptoms and potential health problems. LPR affects the larynx, pharynx, bronchi, trachea, and possibly even one’s lungs.
LPR occurs when the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opens and allows reflux to enter the throat. Since the components of the affected area (see the list above) are constructed of softer tissue that the esophagus, the potential for damage is greater from stomach acid and digestive enzymes. And if the reflux is “aspirated,” or breathed into the lungs, the risk is increased for one to develop aspiration pneumonia. Other pulmonary problems whish may manifest are coughing, wheezing, asthma (especially adult onset), and interstitial fibrosis (the tissue in the lungs becomes inflamed and/or scarred). Excess acid reaching one’s mouth can also lead to the decay of the tooth enamel, gingivitis, halitosis, and waterbrash.
Further complications can include odynophagia and dysphagia. And pharynx symptoms can include laryngitis, hoarseness, soreness, the sensation of a lump in one’s throat (globus), and earache due to fluids entering one’s Eustachian tubes between the throat and the ear.
Overall symptoms may include the above plus:
- Dysphonia
- Frequent throat clearing
- Post nasal drip
- Spasm of the larynx
- Blockage of the breathing passage
- Swallowed food coming back up
- Difficulty singing, especially the loss of vocal range.
Diagnosis of LPR can be more difficult, due in part to the fact that less than 15% of those affected have the “heartburn” associated with typical GERD symptoms.
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