Sign In
Skip Navigation LinksWoodlands Health/For Patients & Visitors/Conditions & Treatments/Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) refers to the backflow of food or stomach acid up to the larynx (voicebox) of the pharynx (throat).

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
Make An Appointment
The symptoms of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) are:

  • ​Burning sensation at the back of the throat
  • Feeling of a lump in the throat
  • Needing to clear the throat frequently
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Frequent bad breath, sour or bitter taste in the mouth
  • Chronic hoarseness
  • Chronic cough
  • Excessive phlegm or mucus

Many of these symptoms are worse in the morning. Some people who have reflux may also experience heartburn, chest pain or indigestion. ​

LPR can be caused by a weakness in the closure of the sphincter muscles between the stomach, esophagus (food channel between the throat and the stomach) and the pharynx (throat).

Often, it is related to lifestyle and eating habits. Caffeine, spicy foods, chocolates, citrus fruits, alcohol and smoking can aggravate reflux. Lying down after eating causes stomach contents to flow back into the throat area, causing irritation. Being overweight and increased levels of mental stress can also cause reflux.

Your ENT doctor will usually perform a throat examination which allows him to see signs of reflux irritation on the larynx. Symptoms such as redness, excess phlegm, and swelling of the voicebox are common manifestations of reflux laryngitis.

LPR is usually treated with medication and a change in lifestyle. In addition, it is important to make changes in eating habits and stress management.

​ LPR can be minimized by:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Limiting alcohol as this weakens the esophageal sphincter
  • Avoiding caffeine - e.g. tea, coffee, soft drinks with caffeine, and chocolates
  • Limiting food high in fat content - e.g. fried, oily and creamy food
  • Avoiding mints
  • Avoiding spicy foods
  • Avoiding citrus fruits and juices
  • Eating meals at least 2 - 3 hours before going to bed
  • Eating moderate amounts of food
  • Losing weight if you are overweight - it increases intra - abdominal pressure, which can aggravate reflux
  • Elevating the head of your bed with blocks/ higher or more pillows
  • ​Be aware of how stress might be playing a role

​​

Con​tributed​ by Department of Otolaryngology (ENT)