Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, or LPR, results when stomach acid travels up the esophagus and into the back of your throat. Your esophagus has two bands of muscles, or sphincters -- one between the stomach and the lower esophagus and one between the upper esophagus and the throat -- that allow food to pass through and prevent acid from moving back up. With LPR, the acid moves all the way up through the upper band, causing symptoms such as burning, cough, trouble swallowing and a feeling of something being caught in the back of the throat. Diet forms a cornerstone of managing this condition and calls for changes similar to the ones necessary for gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Essentially, it is more about what to avoid rather than what to include.
Limiting Acidic Drinks
Acidic beverages like coffee, soda and citrus juices increase acid in the stomach. Soda is a particular problem because the carbonation makes you burp, which further increases acid accumulation in the throat.
Foods and Drinks that Weaken the Esophageal Sphincter
Certain foods and beverages weaken the esophageal sphincters, making it easier for acid to travel up to your throat. Problem items include alcohol, mint, spearmint, chocolate, fatty foods, fried foods and spicy foods.
Increase Fiber Intake
Eat more fiber. The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine reports that research has found men who ate high-fiber diets were 20 percent less likely to experience GERD, regardless of how much they weighed. Considering the similarities between this condition and LPR, this is a dietary change worth considering.
Other Considerations
In addition to what you eat, how you eat can influence LPR. Eat slowly. Have smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, rather than three large ones to reduce the digestive burden on your stomach.. Eating large meals can also weaken the esophageal sphincter, as can lying down shortly after eating. Stop eating and drinking at least two to three hours before going to sleep.
References
- University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio: Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPR);
- Loyola University Health System; Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) and Vocal Difficulty; Dr. Lee Akst
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery; GERD and LPR; December 2010
- Johns Hopkins University Health Alerts; GERD and LPR; December 2010
