Reflux Laryngitis & Esophagitis

What is Reflux?

“Acid Reflux Disease” is the inflammation of the esophagus (swallowing tube), pharynx (throat), and larynx (voice box) caused by the back flow of stomach acid and stomach contents.  When the acid goes up into the throat or the larynx (voice box), it is termed Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). In LPR, this acid causes irritation of the delicate tissues that cover the inside of the larynx and back of the throat. This results in various symptoms including:

• constant throat clearing


• chronic coughing


• hoarseness


• increased mucus in the throat (phlegm)


• a feeling that something is stuck in the throat


• difficulty swallowing


• sour or acid taste


• choking sensation


• sore throat


• heartburn, this is not a common symptom because the irritating fluids do not stay in the esophagus long enough

What is the treatment?

The goal of treatment is to keep stomach acid and other irritating substances from rising up into the throat. Treatments include lifestyle changes and often medications that help decrease the production of stomach acid.

Lifestyle changes to decrease GERD/LPR

a) Elevate the head of your bed 2-6 inches with wood blocks or bricks. Using extra pillows is NOT a good substitute. Use of a foam wedge beneath the upper half of the body is an alternative. Wait 3 hours after eating before you lie down.