Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) occurs when stomach acid travels up into the throat and voice box, causing irritation. Because it often does not cause specific symptoms, this condition is also called silent reflux.

Lifestyle changes such as adjusting your eating pattern, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking can ease symptoms and help prevent them from returning.

What Is Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)?

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a type of acid reflux. Your esophagus (food pipe) has two protective muscle rings, called sphincters, located at the top and bottom. If either sphincter does not close properly, stomach acid can move up through the esophagus and reach the throat and larynx.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux affects a different area than GERD, so the symptom profile differs. In LPR, symptoms are often subtle, which makes the condition harder to recognize.

Symptoms that may appear include:

• A troublesome cough or a cough that starts after you lie down
• A lump-in-the-throat sensation (globus)
• Heartburn
• Hoarseness
• Postnasal drip or sticky mucus in the throat
• Stomach acid or food moving back up into the esophagus
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Sore throat
• A dry or uncomfortable throat

Dietary Pattern for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)

Stomach acid can reach the throat if the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) weaken. These two muscles act like one-way valves that allow food to pass from the esophagus into the stomach and block acid from refluxing upward.

In Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), acid that should remain in the stomach can rise through the LES and pass the UES, reaching the throat (pharynx) and voice box (larynx). Acid exposure can cause irritation and inflammation without always producing heartburn as in GERD.

The goal of an LPR eating plan is to reduce symptom recurrence by limiting foods and beverages that can increase acid production or weaken sphincter function.

Foods to limit or avoid on an LPR eating plan include:

• Whole-fat dairy products
• Fried or high-fat foods
• Caffeine
• Alcoholic drinks
• Soda
• Onions
• Kiwi
• Oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruit
• Pineapples
• Tomatoes and tomato-based items
• Chocolate
• Mint candies
• Spicy foods

Keep in mind that foods that cause symptoms can vary from one person to another. In general, the LPR eating plan emphasizes limiting fatty, sugary, and acidic items in daily meals.

Recommended choices for an LPR eating plan are foods higher in fiber and lower in fat, such as:

• Lean meats
• Low-fat dairy products
• Whole grains
• Fruits and vegetables
• Caffeine-free beverages
• Water
• Green leafy vegetables
• Nuts

Along with a healthy eating pattern, your doctor may advise lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, not lying down right after meals, and avoiding sleeping on your stomach to help control LPR symptoms.

Mild laryngopharyngeal reflux is often manageable with lifestyle adjustments and dietary changes. Your doctor may also prescribe antacids, H2 receptor blockers, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to neutralize and reduce stomach acid that irritates the throat and larynx.

If you have questions about acid reflux, you can consult a doctor or use the consultation feature in the Ai Care app, which you can download from the App Store or Play Store.

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