Laryngopharyngeal Reflux or LPR is a common disease yet is uncommonly diagnosed. It occurs when acid which is supposed to be in the stomach makes its way up to the throat resulting to an infection. An almost similar condition, called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is often confused with LPR because of their almost similar symptoms. However, symptoms of GERD are more profound than LPR. Although the two are almost the same, they differ in a couple of ways.
One most noticeable difference is that GERD is usually associated with heartburn and indigestion. These symptoms are not so typical with LPR. What differentiates the two further is their cause. When the lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to backflow freely through it, GERD occurs. If the other sphincter muscle called the upper esophageal sphincter is problematic, LPR happens. So it is a matter of which sphincter is defective. Either way, they pose a problem as the throat is not designed to hold stomach acids so it becomes inflamed or swollen. Moreover, without diagnosis, LPR is hard to pin down as its symptoms are obscure and may point out to other ailments.
Because of the infection, certain discomforts occur such as a feeling of something is caught in the throat and is not relieved after constant swallowing. Swallowing may also become a difficult task and food swallowed may come back out. Other symptoms include hoarseness, constant clearing of the throat, excessive coughing, irritation on the affected area, unnatural voice, phlegm in the throat, etc.
The reason why LPR should be treated immediately is because it becomes a culprit of more ENT (eyes, nose and throat) problems such as sinusitis, laryngitis, infections in the ears, pharyngitis, laryngomalacia, apnea, and a lot more.That is why it is important to have a Throat Doctor in Naples to do the diagnosis.
Diagnosis of the Throat Doctor will certainly include the use of a laryngoscope. A laryngoscope is a flexible telescope-like apparatus that checks if there are swelling and irritations in the throat and vocal cords. Once treated properly, the swelling and irritation will gradually subside. The most administered treatment is through proton pump inhibitors (PPI).
Unfortunately, once treated, there is no assurance that LPR would not strike back. The key to decreasing or ultimately eliminating LPR from reoccurring is a change of lifestyle. You can talk this one out with your Throat Doctor specialist in Naples. He most probably would advise you to lose weight or if you are smoking, he will encourage you to quit it. Winning against LPR is a matter of choice. If you choose to be healthier and live life happier, then you would undergo the drastic changes in your lifestyle to finally overcome LPR. It is not an overnight thing nor is it overcome solely through prayers. With the right doctor and a right attitude, you can live an LPR-free life. Not only will it reduce the risk of LPR, it will also guarantee a fuller life.
