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David (Thousand Oaks, CA) on 05/10/2006
5 out of 5 stars

Went to 6 different ENTs (sad but true). Finally 1 good ENT knew what my problem was when I described the symptoms to him (globus or feeling something stuck in my throat, dry mouth, white tongue, etc.). He performed a flexiscope and found I have LPR which is form of "Silent Reflux" where acid flow up past your Upper sphincter and inflame your vocal chord causing irritations. He immediately put me in 2x PPI Nexium, it helped reduced my symptoms but I still get regular irritations in my throat. I decided to try ACV mixed with Raw Honey after each meal and it greatly reduced my symptoms. I feel better and is revisiting my ENT and should reduce to 1 PPI/day. Not good thing to do PPI if possible. Lots of side effects and long-term health risks.

Side-note is that if you have heartburn or throat lump problems, make SURE you get a good GI or ENT to diagnose. Don't go to a GP (General Practitioner) or FP (Family Practitioner) or Internist, they are not usually good and don't have expertise or equipment to diagnose your problem. They can make things worse by guessing your problem and misdiagnosing. Dr's. are people too and they're good and bad ones everywhere. It's up to you to find out and do your home work.

People that have LPR like me don't have heartburn because the acid does not stay long enough in the Esophagus to cause irritation. I did Esophogram and Barrium Swallon test and found don't have Esophagitis.

Replied By Josene (Port Douglas, Australia) on 01/27/2012

Hi David, I have been diagnosed by and ENT specialist and he says I have LPR. I seem to have the symptoms you describe plus I cannot wear anything firm around my waist or chest etc. I was given 40mg somac tabs to take twice a day. After one week they made me very dizzy and depressed so I stopped taking them. I do not have dairy or soy or sugar, tomatoes and onions. I am happy to try apple cider vinegar or bicarbonate of soda. Do you recommend either of these.

To make matters worse I have been left with vertigo. It can be very debilitating as can the coughing from LPR.

Replied By Mark (Toledo, Ohio) on 10/14/2014

Bottom line; LPR is no fun. It took months before I was finally diagnosed with LPR, and honestly, I figured it out mostly on my own through a lot of reading and research. My old ENT doctor finally confirmed it after and Endoscope and put me on script dosages of Prilosec and Zantac. That was about 6 months ago.

I feel somewhat better, but not great. The coughing, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and breathing difficulty is very disconcerting. I was also put on antidepressants but the side effects that made matters worse. My sleep is still disturbed and I wake up several times a night, sometimes in a panic, feeling like I can't breathe.

I had a multitude of money-sucking tests, all of which resulted in negative or clear results. I am 53 years old and used to run triathlons, but LPR has practically debilitated me. I will try some of the listed suggestions for help.

I bounce back and forth between weight loss and weight gain. I realize diet and weight management are important aspects of successfully battling LPR, but it is difficult to maintain ideal weight and fitness when symptoms are uncomfortable or severe. I'll keep on trying.

Replied By Katerose (Minnesota, US) on 12/20/2014

I too have Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. I went to an Ear Nose and Throat specialist about 4-5 years ago due to the fact that I was losing my voice. Constant dripping of the nose and coughing all the time. Nexium seemed to work, but lately I am coughing more. I found out in the spring that I have sleep apnea too. Doing research, I found that the LPR can cause the apnea. I was waking up in the middle of the night having coughing fits. Finally went to a doctor who sent me in for a sleep study and now sleep peacefully!

Replied By Torch (Big Island, Hawaii) on 01/05/2015

I've had this problem since 2008, so about 6 years. It's been very difficult to pinpoint and I've tried many different things. At the moment I'm seeing an acupuncturist/Chinese herbalist that is cleaning up my diet. She is very confident that it will work so hopefully it does and if so will keep others posted.

Replied By Pavan (Charlotte) on 10/29/2015

Hi Mark,

I think we are on same page. I have the same symptoms which you are suffering from. I'm 26 and I have been suffering from LPR since from last 1+ year. I been visiting different Allergy and Asthma Clinics they just suggesting me some inhaler but didn't really help me. Recently I visited an ENT doctor and he confirmed after the test that I have LPR. Do you have any suggestions and home remedies to get rid of LPR bit quicker?

I'm taking 2 spoons of unfiltered ACV with a glass of water for some relief. Please let me know if you have any better suggestions as home remedies.

Thanks!

Replied By Candy (Spokane) on 11/05/2015

Actually the ENT's were useless, it was my GP that diagnosed LPR. I am a singer and have lost my voice. this happened 18 yrs ago and now after a terrible smoke filled summer with fires It has happened again. Any correlation between LPR and Smoke Allergies?

Replied By Tammy (Ny) on 11/20/2015

I have been to an ENT and GI doctor.... Waste of money , neither found my problem. ENT would not even do a scope. I have problem breathing, feels like something is stuck in my nose and can't get it's out.clearing throat. I do have acid reflux but I figured it out myself about having silent reflux.. Now I have a different diet and drink more water. Starting to feel better but ENT could of helped me ( went 3 times to see him)

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