(AscendHealthy)- You’ve been gasping for breath, battling a cough that gets worse at night time — in fact, sometimes you even wake up choking. Or perhaps your voice often goes hoarse, and you can barely swallow anything, even though exams for strep throat and tonsillitis repeatedly come back negative. Your doctor blames GERD, but heartburn meds barely touch your symptoms. That’s because the problem might actually be laryngopharyngeal reflux, more commonly known as LPR.
Before You Blame GERD or Asthma for Your Symptoms, Read This.
What Is LPR?
Laryngopharyngeal reflux, or LPR for short, is sometimes called “silent reflux.” That’s because it causes acid reflux, but its symptoms aren’t always as obvious as GERD symptoms. GERD may cause heartburn and regurgitation from acid reflux, but the same issue can cause breathing difficulties, hoarseness or throat pain in someone with LPR.
When you chug a beverage or chow down on a meal, your throat sends the contents to your stomach via your throat and esophagus. Once the contents arrive, your stomach produces digestive liquids so it can break down the food and send it through your intestines. Well, at least that’s what it’s supposed to do. LPR occurs when stomach acid rises up into your throat instead of staying where it belongs.
The esophageal sphincter, a muscle sandwiched between the esophagus and stomach, is supposed to keep this acid down low. People with LPR have a weak esophageal sphincter, so acid flows upward, often causing painful symptoms in your upper body.
What Are Some Common Symptoms of LPR?
As with GERD, you may notice some belching, heartburn or regurgitation with LPR. However, you may also experience upper respiratory problems, such as breathing issues or coughing. You may also cough up mucus or feel like you need to constantly clear your throat. Sometimes LPR even causes a choking sensation.
Left untreated, these symptoms may eventually lead to serious changes in the esophageal lining known as Barrett’s esophagus. Over time, this condition can evolve into cancer.
Think You Might Have LPR?
LPR can stem from lifestyle choices and dietary habits. If you are overweight, you may be at risk for LPR. Caffeine, chocolate, spicy foods and heavy alcohol consumption can aggravate the symptoms of LPR. Wearing tight clothing can also worsen symptoms.
Talk to your doctor if you suspect you have LPR, even if you already take prescription medication for GERD or a similar condition. Doctors use some of the same medications for GERD and LPR, but they are sometimes prescribed for different dosage schedules. LPR often produces less acid than GERD, yet patients often need a higher dosage of reflux medication to reduce symptoms.
Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as waiting a few hours after eating to lay down or avoiding heavy meals. You may also need to wear looser clothes and reduce your intake of citrus fruits and tomatoes.
Don’t get discouraged if your GERD symptoms don’t react to treatment. Ask your doctor about LPR, and you may get the relief you’ve been wanting.
~Here’s to Your Healthy Ascension!
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