Reflux

“Laryngopharyngeal Reflux” (LPR) is a disorder that occurs when acid and digestive enzymes from the stomach makes their way up the food pipe and causes irritation of the throat.

This can lead to all sorts of different symptoms including:

  • Throat pain;
  • Voice change;
  • Acid taste in the mouth;
  • Heartburn;
  • Bad Breath;
  • Frequent burping or belching; and
  • A sense of something “stuck” in the throat.

People commonly assume that you must experience heartburn if reflux is present. This is however, not the case with some people having “Silent Reflux”.

Treatment of LRP

There are a number of lifestyle measures that can be taken to reduce LRP. These include:

  • Avoid foods that commonly increase symptoms or cause reflux including:
    • Spicy foods;
    • Caffeine products (coffee, tea, many energy drinks);
    • Alcohol;
    • Fizzy drinks; and
    • Chocolate.
  • Avoid foods specific to you that cause reflux:
    • Tomato based foods;
    • Greasy foods; and
    • Acidic foods.
  • Review your medications with your GP to assess whether any are contributing to LRP. Common culprits include:
    • Aspirin and Non-Steroidal medications (Nurofen etc.);
    • Decongestant tablets (Pseudoephidrine); and
    • Corticosteroids.
  • Alter your eating habits:
    • Have smaller meals more often; and
    • Avoid eating within 4 hours of lying down.
    • Consider weight loss if you are overweight;
  • Elevate the head of your bed:
    • Try placing blocks under the head of the bed to raise it slightly, which can reduce reflux.

In some cases, medications may be needed to control the symptoms associated with LPR. Dr Morrissey or your GP can prescribe these should they be necessary.