Most people have heard of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid moves up into the esophagus. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) occurs when the stomach acid leaks into the throat or voice box (larynx).
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What are the signs and symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux?
Symptoms of LPR in children may include:
- Noisy breathing or hoarseness
- Coughing
- Asthma
- A blue tint to the skin (cyanosis)
- Spitting up or having trouble feeding
- Trouble gaining weight
- Pauses in breathing (apnea)
What causes laryngopharyngeal reflux?
This condition can have many causes. These may include:
- Weak muscles in the esophagus
- Slow stomach emptying
- Hiatal hernia
- Growth and development issues
- Overeating
- Eating right before going to bed
- Eating certain foods, such as chocolate or fatty or spicy foods
How is laryngopharyngeal reflux treated?
Treatment for LPR may depend on the cause and may include both surgical and non-surgical options.
- A doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, such as changes to diet, the size of meals or sleeping position.
- A doctor may prescribe medicines to help reduce the amount of stomach acid, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2Ras).
- Surgery to tighten the lower esophageal muscle, called fundoplication, may help in severe cases.
Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for laryngopharyngeal reflux.