Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) occurs when acid or digestive enzymes from your stomach back up into your throat and mouth. This can cause a variety of symptoms, as the acid and enzymes in your stomach cause irritation to your mouth and throat.

Symptoms of LPR include:

• Burning in the throat
• Changes in voice/hoarseness
• The feeling of fullness or a lump in your throat/neck
• Constant throat clearing
• Chronic cough

LPR is typically diagnosed using a combination of your symptoms and findings on laryngoscopy (a study where a doctor uses a flexible camera to look at the back of your throat and mouth). Sometimes more specific testing for acid reflux can help diagnose and guide treatment for LPR.

Most patients with LPR are treated with acid-suppressing medication and lifestyle/diet modification. For persistent symptoms despite acid suppression, further testing and treatment options are available on a case-by-case basis.