Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, or LPR, is not the same as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. LPR is caused by acid from the stomach coming back up past the lower esophageal sphincter and entering your voice box, while GERD occurs when this acid enters your esophagus. LPR symptoms include difficulty swallowing, sore throat, postnasal drip, dry cough and the sensation that something is caught in the back of your throat. Dietary changes may help to treat LPR.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods are likely to trigger LPR, so avoiding these foods can decrease your symptoms. Examples of foods to avoid include acidic foods, fatty foods, spicy foods, onions, garlic, citrus juices, chocolate, peppermint and other mints, nuts, eggs, cheese, caffeine, alcohol, cola and carbonated beverages. These foods either irritate the esophageal lining, increase the production of stomach acid or affect the lower esophageal sphincter.
Other Changes
The way you eat can affect your risk for reflux as well. Eat smaller meals and eat more frequently rather than eating large meals. Do not eat after dinner, and eat dinner at least two or three hours before you plan to go to bed. If you are overweight, eat less so you lose weight.
Treatment
If the dietary changes do not make enough of a difference in your reflux, your doctor may prescribe medication. Over-the-counter antacids can help lower the amount of acid in your stomach, H-2 blockers can block the signals for acid production and proton pump inhibitors can limit the amount of acid secreted. Which medication your doctor prescribes will depend on how severe your reflux is.
Considerations
Sometimes dietary changes will be sufficient for limiting your LPR symptoms, but not always. Follow the treatment directions provided by your doctor, even if your symptoms resolve. Do not stop taking your medications without your doctor's consent. Avoiding tight clothes, raising the head of your bed, not exercising for two hours after eating, stopping smoking, reducing stress and limiting aspirin and ibuprofen consumption can also help.
