Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)

What is Laryngopharyngeal Reflux?

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR or Silent Reflux) is a condition in which acid from your stomach gets into your throat or voice box (pharynx/larynx).

It happens when your lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that controls the opening between your esophagus and your stomach, fails to close. This causes your stomach acid to move backward, called reflux. Anyone can experience LPR, but it occurs more often as we age.

What is the Difference Between Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is when acid from your stomach refluxes into your esophagus (swallowing tube) alone. Your esophagus is less sensitive than your throat, so there is less risk of damage with GERD than LPR. The most common symptom is heartburn.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) is when your stomach acid travels through your esophagus and into your throat or voice box. People with LPR often don’t experience heartburn, which is why it’s called Silent Reflux.

What Are Common Symptoms of LPR

The common symptoms of LRP include:

Hoarseness
Frequent laryngitis
Throat clearing
Chronic cough
Trouble swallowing
The feeling of a lump in the throat
Excessive mucus
Post-nasal drip
Breathing problems

UR Medicine's Treatments for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)

Some people can manage reflux through diet and lifestyle changes alone, while others may need medication. Surgery may be recommended in severe cases.

Diet and lifestyle changes include:

Avoiding or limiting certain foods (such as acidic foods, fruit juices, and caffeine)
Eating slowly
Avoiding lying down or exercising after eating
Quitting smoking
Avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Aleve)
Avoiding eating or drinking before bedtime

What Sets Us Apart?

Each year, UR Medicine Otolaryngology (ENT) provides services to more than 40,000 patients. Our specialists perform hundreds of procedures and surgeries every year, so patient care is always in the hands of well-practiced experts. Our physicians handle more complex conditions and unusual complications than most physicians in the area.

UR Medicine Voice Center provides state-of-the-art evaluation and management of individuals with voice, swallowing, and airway disorders. Our team of specialists includes fellowship-trained ear, nose, and throat physicians, speech-language pathologists, and singing specialists. Our experts have specialized training in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and work collaboratively to diagnose and treat voice and breathing disorders.

Many of our physicians are also involved in research to find new treatments for ENT-related diseases. All of our doctors are board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. Our entire team, including audiologists and speech-language pathologists, is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care.