Did you know that if you’re experiencing persistent throat discomfort, a hoarse voice, or a chronic cough, you might be dealing with more than a common cold or allergies?
These symptoms can sometimes be linked to underlying health issues that affect your throat, like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
Understanding the difference between these two conditions is important in helping you figure out what’s causing your symptoms and getting the right treatment from an ENT specialist.
At Jacksonville ENT Surgery in Lake City and Jacksonville, Florida, our board-certified ENT providers are dedicated to helping you identify and manage conditions like GERD and LPR.
Take a moment to get the information you need about the differences between these two forms of reflux so you can gain a clearer picture of what’s causing your symptoms and how we can help.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where your stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (the esophagus).
This acid reflux irritates the lining of your esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
You can develop GERD when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between your esophagus and stomach, doesn’t work properly.
When this valve weakens or relaxes too much, it allows your stomach acid to flow back up into your esophagus, causing discomfort.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), often referred to as “silent reflux,” is similar to GERD but differs in its symptoms and the area it affects.
While GERD primarily affects the esophagus, LPR involves the backflow of stomach contents into your voice box (larynx) and throat (pharynx).
Because LPR affects your throat and voice box, its symptoms often include chronic cough, hoarseness, a sensation of a lump in the throat, and the need to clear your throat frequently.
Unlike GERD, LPR doesn’t always cause the classic heartburn symptoms, making it more challenging to diagnose.
While GERD and LPR are both forms of acid reflux, they can affect your ENT health in different ways.
GERD can lead to ENT issues such as postnasal drip, sinus infections, and even chronic sore throats because of the irritation of your esophagus and upper airway.
LPR, on the other hand, directly affects your throat and voice box, leading to ENT-related symptoms like hoarseness, chronic cough, and a sensation of something stuck in your throat.
Because these symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions, it’s important to consult with an ENT specialist, like a provider at Jacksonville ENT Surgery, who can accurately diagnose and treat LPR.
Accurate diagnosis of GERD and LPR is necessary so you can get effective treatment, and that’s where an ENT specialist comes in.
At Jacksonville ENT Surgery, our providers use advanced diagnostic tools to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.
For example, to diagnose LPR, your provider may perform a laryngoscopy, which involves using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the larynx and pharynx.
By pinpointing whether GERD or LPR is the source of your symptoms, your ENT specialist can develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
At Jacksonville ENT Surgery, personalized treatment for conditions affecting your throat often involves lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both.
For GERD, your provider may recommend dietary adjustments, such as avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, along with medications that reduce stomach acid production.
LPR treatment also includes lifestyle changes, such as elevating the head of your bed and avoiding meals close to bedtime.
Medications that reduce acid production are commonly prescribed, and in some cases, voice therapy may be recommended to help manage hoarseness and other throat symptoms.
In severe cases where GERD or LPR symptoms persist despite treatment, surgical options may be considered. Your ENT specialist will discuss these options with you if necessary.
If you’re experiencing persistent throat symptoms, hoarseness, or a chronic cough, it’s important to seek an evaluation from an ENT specialist at Jacksonville ENT Surgery. Schedule a consultation at the office nearest you.
