Laryngopharyngeal Reflux is a complicated type of acid reflux disease. It is a condition wherein the upper esophageal sphincter malfunctions and the acid back flows to the esophagus and enters into the throat and voice box. When this happens extreme pain is felt by the person. One unique characteristic of lpr reflux is that not all people do experience heartburn as with gerd or gastroesophageal disease. Acid has to stay long enough in the esophagus before heartburn is felt. The larynx is more sensitive than the esophagus so any acid that enters causes a very excruciating pain for the sufferer.
Symptoms of Laryngopharyngeal reflux include throat clearing, throat irritation, chronic cough, excessive phlegm in the throat, difficulty swallowing and hoarseness of voice. Lpr reflux disease treatment is the same with gerd. It includes medications to reduce gastric acidity, lifestyle changes and most importantly diet modification. Fiber rich foods are a good diet for lpr reflux which includes spinach, sweet corn, bran cereal, red cabbage, beans, green peas, carrots, potato and fruits (apples, bananas and oranges).
High fiber diet is very important for a good digestive system. It prevents indigestion problems and discomforts in the stomach. Most of all, it aids in proper digestion and it aids in regular bowel movement so you won’t have to worry about being constipated. With less fiber intake, a person may easily get tired in doing any activities, concentration is poor. Thus, less productivity and irritability results. One reason why many people easily get fat is because of less fiber intake.
Fiber has two types – soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber forms a glue like gel in the intestinal tract. This gel softens stools and improves your digestion. Bottom line is, when proper digestion is achieved through the help of high fiber foods excess acids in the stomach is reduced. In tandem with high fiber foods, a person with lpr reflux should avoid eating high fatty foods. Highly acidic foods are also unfavorable for lpr reflux disease because it triggers excessive amounts of acid. Carbonated beverages and alcohol should also be avoided.
What you can do to avoid or alleviate acid reflux are:
Avoid eating large meals
Avoid late night eating
Never lie supine or bend down after eating
Do not wear tight clothes around the area of the abdomen and stomach.
Trim down abdominal fats by exercising regularly with abdominal exercises.
Give up smoking because nicotine weakens the lower esophageal sphincter.
Finally, people are different and it is important to note that there are foods that some people can tolerate and some people don’t. Know what foods causes allergy and avoid eating them. It is important to eat the right kind of foods at the right time. Never delay eating meals, as this may further trigger acidity that causes lpr reflux.