Anti-Reflux Protocol to Minimize LPR

Anti-Reflux Protocol to Minimize LPR

Stomach acid may leak out of the stomach and into the esophagus and throat, causing irritation and muscle spasms. Reflux at the stomach level (gastroesophageal reflux disease - GERD) causes heartburn and sour stomach. Reflux at the throat level (laryngeal-pharyngeal reflux - LPR), may cause coughing, hoarseness, sharp burning pain in the larynx, soreness, throat clearing, excess mucus, bad taste, weak voice, belching, a sensation of a lump in your throat and the voice taking more than 15 minutes to warm up in the morning. LPR is called “silent reflux,” and you may experience no obvious symptoms except hoarseness and excessive phlegm, usually with redness, irritation and swelling of the vocal folds. LPR may disrupt your ability to feel the vocal cords which can result in excess squeezing and pressure on the larynx creating further injury.

If you have been diagnosed with LPR, follow these suggestions to minimize the effects:

1.      Take PPI anti-reflux medication as prescribed by your health care professional.

a.      Take the PPI medicine 30 minutes prior to eating, then you MUST EAT a full meal, including protein, within 30-45 minutes, to activate the acid pumps in your stomach.

b.      If you don’t eat, the medicine won’t work. The pumps are activated by eating.

2.      Lose weight to reduce pressure on the diaphragm which moves the acid upward into the throat

3.      Eat regular meals, including a larger breakfast, medium lunch and a lighter evening meal.

4.      Eat a bland diet, (spicy foods may irritate the stomach), and chew thoroughly.

5.      Avoid the following foods, which irritate the esophagus, relax sphincters and stimulate acids:

a.       Alcohol, tobacco, coffee, sodas, citrus juices,

b.      Tomato products, 2% or whole milk, nuts, fatty fried foods

c.       Chocolate, and anything with MINT (candies, gum, lozenges and breath fresheners)

6.      Stop eating/drinking 4 hours before bedtime (except water).

7.      Elevate the head of the bed, or use a wedge pillow to keep acid in the stomach.

8.      Avoid tightly fitting clothing, and don’t bend or stoop after eating, which may bring acid up.

9.      Practice deep, diaphragmatic breathing (not chest breathing) when you have symptoms.

10.  RELAX! Stress is a killer. Take a walk, talk it out. Try meditation or yoga.