Your stomach produces acid to break down the food you eat to make it easier to digest. The lower esophageal sphincter, the band of muscle at the top of your stomach, prevents this acid from backing up into your throat or esophagus. The upper esophageal sphincter located at the top of your esophagus prevents this acid from backing up into the back of your throat, your larynx and the back of your nasal airways. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is caused by stomach acid backing up into your esophagus. When stomach acid backs up into the larynx or the back of throat, it causes laryngopharyngeal or laryngeal reflux, or LPR.
Symptoms
Heartburn is a common symptom of both GERD and LPR. However, only 12 percent of people with LPR suffer from heartburn, according to the UC Davis Health System's Center for Voice and Swallowing. An early symptom of LPR is hoarseness, cracking or weakening of your voice. Other symptoms are persistent throat clearing due to excessive phlegm; sensation of something in your throat; cough and/or postnasal drip; wheezing; swallowed food that comes back up; and blockage of your breathing passage.
Diagnosis/Treatment
Your doctor will perform a laparoscopy to examine your throat and larynx; a 24-hour pH probe test to see if stomach acid is entering your throat or upper esophagus; and an upper GI endoscopy if you are experiencing dysphasia--difficulty or painful swallowing. Treatment for LPR involves medication, lifestyle modification and, in some cases, surgery.
Diet/Behavior Modification
The Cedars-Sinai Medical Center recommends that you avoid overeating, especially greasy and fatty foods, and avoid eating or drinking anything two to three hours before you go to bed. Behavioral changes that can have a positive effect include not exercising after meals or two hours before bedtime; losing weight if you are overweight; avoiding stress; avoiding tight clothing around your midsection; limiting aspirin or ibuprofen; quitting smoking; and elevating your head four to six inches when you lie down.
Foods Allowed
According to the Loyola University Medical Center, some foods you can eat while recovering from LPR are skim, 1-percent or 2-percent milk; fat-free yogurt; fresh or frozen vegetables; apples, melons, bananas, peaches, berries and pears; whole grain or low-fat breads; and lean, low-fat meat.
Foods to Avoid
Spicy, hot foods like hot mustard, curry or hot peppers can aggravate LPR symptoms and should be avoided. Other restricted foods included alcohol, sodas or other fizzy beverages; alcohol; peppermint; chocolate milk; creamy-style or fried vegetables; tomatoes; citrus fruits such as pineapple, grapefruit, and oranges; grains made with whole milk or fat; and fatty meats like bacon, sausage or spicy cold cuts.
Fats/Oils
If you have LPR, you should avoid or eliminate altogether fats and oils, or limit consumption to a very small amount -- less than 3 grams of fat per serving. You should also avoid chocolate and desserts made with a high amount of fat or oil.
