Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, A Simple Guide to the Condition, Treatment and Related Diseases

LPR is called the silent reflux diseaseIt is due to the abnormal acid backflow releaseFrom the stomach to the vocal box or larynxOr even higher up the throat or pharynxThere is frequent hoarseness and throat clearingSometimes frequent sore throat and chronic coughingThere is sometimes dysphagia or difficulty in swallowingSome presents like asthma with difficulty in breathingEndoscopy can see abrasion in the stomach structureAnd sometimes narrowing of the esophagus or stricturesThis is cause difficulty in swallowingAnd collection of phlegm resulting in coughingTreatment is by the raising of the head of the bedAnd for the obese the losing of weightAntacids are given to neutralize the acid secretionsWhile surgery can release any esophageal constrictions-An original poem by Kenneth KeeInteresting Tips about the Laryngopharyngeal RefluxA Healthy Lifestyle1.
Take a well Balanced Diet2. Treatment of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux:A. Prevention of reflux:a. Weight loss for the Obeseb. Positional therapyc. Smoking reduces lower esophageal sphincter competence, and should be avoidedd. Avoid stress. B. Neutralizing the Gastric Acid Refluxa. Proton pump inhibitors are the best drugs used in reducing gastric acid secretion. (e.g. Nexium, Losec)b. Antacids taken before meals half hourly after symptoms begin can reduce gastric acidity (liquid antacid are more useful than tablets)c.
Alginic acid (Gaviscon) protects the mucosa as well as increase pH and decrease reflux.d. Gastric H2 receptor blockers such as ranitidine or famotidine decrease gastric secretion of acid. C. Surgical treatmentThe standard surgical treatment, done laparoscopically, is the Nissen fundoplication. The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) to strengthen the sphincter and prevent acid reflux and to repair a hiatus hernia.3.
Keep bones and body strongBone marrow produces our bloodEat foods rich in calcium like yogurt, cheese, milk, and dark green vegetables. Eat foods rich in Vitamin D, like eggs, fatty fish, cereal, and fortified milk. Eat food rich in Vitamins B and C such as green vegetables and fruitsZinc and other minerals are important to the body4. Get enough rest and SleepAvoid stress and tension5. Exercise and stay active.
It is best to do weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weights for 2oe hours a week. One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week. Begin slowly especially if a person has not been active.6. Do not drink more than 2 alcohol drinks a day for a man or 1 alcohol drink a day for a woman. Alcohol use also increases the chance of falling and breaking a bone.
Alcohol can affect the neurons and brain cells.7. Stop or do not begin smoking. It also interferes with blood supply and healing. Chapter 1Laryngopharyngeal RefluxLaryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR) is a chronic disease of the pharynx (throat) and larynx (voice box) whose mucosa is damaged by abnormal acid backflow (reflux) of gastric acid from the stomach to the esophagus. During the course of medical treatment of many chronic cough I find that many patients' chronic coughs come not from their lungs but from their throats especially when they have symptoms of GERD or gastritis.
In fact one of the most common causes is from the acid and gas which are pushed up into their throat or vocal cords.