| Laryngopharyngeal Reflux or LPR is a little known but | | | | different information. The Barium swallow is normally |
| common disorder that can cause major problems if | | | | done as an outpatient procedure at the local hospital. |
| left untreated. LPR is caused by the backflow of | | | | Basically you will be required to swallow a chalky |
| stomach acids and food particles up through the | | | | solution while standing in front of an x-ray machine. |
| esophagus all the way to the voice box or larynx | | | | This test will tell the doctor how you are swallowing |
| pharynx. LPR may not be associated with eating and | | | | and if there is any abnormality in throat area. |
| can occur at any time of day or night. If you suffer | | | | The second test is called a Ph-metry test and it |
| from acid reflux heartburn it does not mean that you | | | | basically will monitor the Ph levels in your esophagus |
| are subject to LPR. The difference being the extent of | | | | over a 24 hour period. The test is begun in either the |
| the reflux travels in the esophagus. Acid reflux | | | | doctor's office or the local hospital. Many people find |
| heartburn in most cases only affects the lower portion | | | | the testing procedure either annoying or uncomfortable |
| of the esophagus. | | | | but it is critical for a proper diagnosis of LPR. The test |
| It is an interesting fact that many people who do suffer | | | | is begun by inserting a small soft inflatable tube into |
| from Laryngopharyngeal Reflux may not even suffer | | | | your nose and down in to the esophagus. Once |
| from the effects of heartburn at all. The reason for | | | | inserted it is attached to a belt held computer that is |
| this is that the refluxed material does not stay in the | | | | worn around your waist. You will be required to wear |
| esophagus long enough to cause the pain and | | | | these devices for a 24 hour period. |
| symptoms of classic acid reflux. A major portion of | | | | Once the doctor has reviewed the data and made his |
| the acid reflux ends up in the throat where due to its | | | | or her diagnosis you will be given a number of |
| sensitive nature extensive damage can occur. | | | | treatment options. In almost all case it will require a |
| The symptoms of LPR include chronic hoarseness, | | | | lifestyle changes in order to be effective. This |
| throat clearing and coughing. Many people also | | | | especially true if you are a smoker continuing to |
| describe the feeling of a constant lump or obstruction | | | | smoke while suffering from laryngopharyngeal reflux |
| in their throat. In addition you may also have the classic | | | | disorder can in many cases lead to serious |
| symptoms of acid reflux heartburn as well. Another | | | | consequences including cancer of the throat. Many |
| symptom comes in the form of chronic nasal drainage | | | | people will be asked to change their diet and add |
| into the throat which causes a cough or constant | | | | exercise to their daily routine. Specific medications may |
| throat clearing. If you have these symptoms then you | | | | be prescribed to temporarily reduce stomach acid until |
| should contact an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor | | | | the lifestyle changes are completed. In rare cases |
| also called an Otolaryngologist. Ignoring these | | | | surgery to repair the lower sphincter muscle or LES |
| symptoms especially if you are a smoker can lead to | | | | may be necessary to prevent acid reflux heartburn |
| a serious medical condition. | | | | and LPR. |
| The doctor will conduct an exam and may require | | | | As stated before ignoring LPR can lead to serious |
| some additional tests to determine if you indeed have | | | | problems. These include noisy breathing, choking |
| LPR. The two most common tests used to diagnose | | | | episodes, breathing problems like asthma or bronchitis |
| LPR include a Barium swallow and a 24 hour | | | | as well as cancer of the esophagus, voice box and |
| esophageal PH test. You may find that your ENT will | | | | throat. |
| schedule you for both tests since the result provide | | | | |