Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)

LPR refers to the backflow of food or stomach acid all the way back up into the larynx (The voice box) or the pharynx (the throat).  LPR can occur during the day or night, even if a person has not eaten.  Not everyone who has LPR will have heartburn.
 

What is Reflux and What is LPR?

The term "Reflux" comes from a Greek work that means "backflow".  It usually refers to "the backflow of stomach contents."

Normally, once the things that we eat reach the stomach digestion should begin without the contents of the stomach coming back up again, i.e., refluxing.  Some people have reflux just into the esophagus (the swallowing tube that joins the throat to the stomach).  If this happens frequently a person may develop heartburn, a painful, burning sensation in the chest.  In some people, however, the backflow from the stomach goes all the way up to the throat.  That is LPR.
 

LPR Can Cause:

- Hoarseness
- Trouble Swallowing
- Too much throat mucus
- A "lump" in the throat
- Chronic Cough
- Heartburn