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What Caises Laryngopharyngeal Reflux?

Posted on Wed, 19 Nov 2014

Question: since XXXXXXX ive had trouble swallowing I feel it mostly on my right side of my throat in XXXXXXX they had trouble intubating me I went to a ent three months later she said my esophagus was swollen and I had post nasal drip ive never ever had a issue swallowing till after the surgery ive neve had a issue with acid reflux I have had issues with sinuses but it always runs out my nose five months later and the ent says I have laryngeal reflux silent reflux what should I do next

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Try taking proton pump inhibitor & prokinetic

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) also known as silent reflux, happens due to regurgitation of the acid from stomach into the throat.

Due to constant reflux of the acid from stomach into the throat, the mucosa of the throat gets inflamed, giving rise to foreign body sensation in the throat.

If the symptoms have developed post surgery, then the most probable causes are intubation injury (either tube or laryngeal mask insertion injury) and acid reflux disease (stress induced).

As your doctor has already performed laryngeal examination and made the diagnosis, it would be better to start with medications directed at reducing the symptoms.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water
2. Try taking proton pump inhibitors such as Omeprazole or Esomeprazole and a prokinetic such as domperidone or metachlopramide
3. Avoid coffee/tea/spicy food/fizzy drinks/chilled food & beverages/smoking if any

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (16 minutes later)

what test could I have done next to see if I have injury to my larynx Ive never had thease issus please help im miserable with this

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Video laryngoscopy is beneficial...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

You would require a video laryngoscopy to establish the diagnosis. This can identify any pathology in the larynx and esophageal inlet.

If the examination is found to be normal, then you will have to take medicines for LPR and watch for a month. If you don't get better with the medicines then CT Scan of the neck followed gastroscopy will be required.

Hope this clears your doubts. Do not worry! I doubt any serious issues with you.

I wish you good luck and good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (10 minutes later)

I ment to say esophageal testing im sorry I wrote laynyx

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Gastroscopy would be the investigation of choice

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

Gastroscopy would help in identifying any mucosal injury or inflammation & acid reflux if any. If this turns out to be normal, then CT Sscan would be the next investigation of choice.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T