Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) Disease
An astounding 40% of Americans live with some sort of reflux disease. You may be familiar with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux. Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR) is different from traditional acid reflux because it affects the more sensitive lining of the upper esophagus, larynx, and pharynx.
If unaddressed, you may experience persistent sore throat and coughing that won’t go away. Our professionals at Allergy Partners are here to help test, diagnose, and manage symptoms of LPR. We’ll assess your symptoms and condition to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
Find your local Allergy Partners to request an appointment.
Symptoms
Instead of the common reflux symptoms of heartburn, nausea, and regurgitation, you may notice different symptoms with LPR, such as a sore throat, hoarseness, post-nasal drip, chronic cough, or a sensation of something being stuck in the throat. Difficulty swallowing and frequent throat clearing are also common indicators of LPR. People living with chronic symptoms of this condition may also notice bad breath, a sour taste in the mouth, and an overall feeling of discomfort.
It is important to discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing with your physician, so they can best diagnose your condition and provide optimal treatment.
Many of the symptoms of LPR can be mistakenly attributed to other causes, like asthma, allergies, laryngitis, or an upper-respiratory infection. This makes the task of accurately diagnosing laryngopharyngeal reflux disease a real challenge for even an experienced practitioner. Fortunately, there is a test that can detect acid back-up in their throat or esophagus.
With the Restech pH Monitoring System, a thin tube is inserted into the patient’s nose with minimal discomfort, and the tip of the tube rests high in the throat. The patient is then monitored for 24 hours, after which a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to discuss results. If the tests indicate acid back-up within the throat, an LPR diagnosis is likely.
To see what allergy treatment methods we can offer you or your loved one, Find an Allergy Partners Location near you today. Finding relief from LPR is an attainable goal, and we would love to help you achieve it!
Four Steps to Relief
Planning Your First Visit
Schedule an appointment at your local office and fill out our pre-registration and medical history forms to help minimize any wait time when you arrive.
Your First Visit
Your initial visit will consist of a consultation, review of your medical history and a comprehensive exam to build a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Diagnostics and Testing
We may complete one or more tests to better understand the cause of your symptoms. Common tests include skin testing, pulmonary testing, and blood testing.
Treatment
Following the evaluation and testing, we’ll provide a comprehensive diagnosis and implement a personalized treatment plan that will deliver relief.
Treatment
Allergy Partners offers a range of treatments for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease to help manage the condition. Treatment options may include dietary modifications, lifestyle adjustments, medications, or even a referral for surgery depending on the severity of the condition. Our team will work with you to find the best approach for targeted symptom relief and will provide comprehensive information about each treatment option.
At Allergy Partners, we are committed to providing compassionate care and helping you live without the discomfort of persistent LPR symptoms.
The Allergy Partners Difference
As experts in allergy and asthma care, Allergy Partners physicians are very familiar with the signs and symptoms of LPR, which frequently mimic those of an allergy. Often, a careful history and physical examination may be sufficient to diagnose LPR and begin therapy. When necessary, your Allergy Partners physician will work closely with our ENT, GI, and surgical colleagues to ensure an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.
To see what allergy treatment methods we can offer you or your loved one, contact us today at (828) 277-1300. Finding relief from LPR is an attainable goal, and we would love to help you achieve it!
