Have had umpteen sinus and bronchial problems since the age of 5 and have now been diagnosed with something called LPR. Went to a ENT doctor and had a Stroboscopy and a FEESST test and told it is not GERD but LPR and must be treated with prescription meds. Does anyone else have this LPR and what can you tell me about it.
Thank you
Four years ago, I went to the allergist because of my excessive throat clearing and hoarse voice. He started me on shots which I still do. I tried nasal sprays, saline nasal rinses, a neti pit and antihistamines but nothing made the throat clearing much better. When I complained to him that I hadn't seen any improvement in what I came to him for, his response was, "You don't know how much worse you would have been had you not done the shots." What a cop out!
I went to the ENT who told me I was a textbook case for LPR (a condition I had never heard of). I was overjoyed to finally be diagnosed! I'm so sick of having all this mucus in my throat all the time and being a speech-language pathologist, I was aware of what all the throat clearing was doing to my vocal folds. I also have larygospasms now and then.
He has prescribed Kapidex, which is a time released proton pump inhibitor that cuts down on the stomach acid. My ENT said that in 2-3 months I should be cured. Right now, I'm waiting on my insurance company to give prior authorization since it's a new drug.
To say that I'm upset with the allergist for not raising LPR as a possibility is an understatement. I try not to think of how much time I wasted going to get shots twice a week.
I must also say that I feel lucky to have been diagnosed. I went to see an ENT from the SAME practice and he never brought it up.
I'll try to keep you posted on my progress.
Tracy
Tracy, Thank for you sharing. I self diagnosed for LPR and was confirmed. There is a Dr. Kaufman in NYC for those who live close who is the chief Dr. in this condition, she actually named LPR. Please tell me how the Kapidex is working as I am only on 1X prilosec which works moderately well (probably should do a second pill in afternoon). I am sure my lpr started as a result of taking Xifaxan. It was taken as an experiment to get rid of a mild IBS I've had and I totally ruined the bacterial balance in my stomach as a result. I think I will go back on a probiotic while taking prilosec. I actually have a bit of the swallowing difficulty when I eat more than I need to during a single meal and will need to eat smaller meals. It is a very disheartening condition, isn't it, since your time isn taken up with thoughts about the symptoms. Oh, the days of yore. Thanks for letting me know about Kapidex.
Lettaba
I had all the symptoms of LPR, so after a few visits to a conventional doctor, he referred me to an ENT doctor specialist for testing. They performed all the regular tests and learned that I do not have LPR, but they don't know what it is. It has to be something close because I have all the symptoms, but it's not quite the prognosis.
Yes I have it too. No heartburn. Been to E&T and Internist...both confirmed.
I had an upper GI to verify no hiatal hernia or other problems.
Strict reduction of coffee, alcohol, soda drinks etc has helped (I only weigh 155 lbs though)....have been on Prilosec for 1 month....not much help. Now trying Apple Cidar
Vinager, Aloe Vera, honey etc. May have to move to Nexium if these natural remedies
don't help.
Jeff
I was diagnozed with LPR also....
I have had "acid reflux" for the last five years or so. My GP prescribed nexium. I was on nexium at first then insurance would not pay so I switched to prilosec OTC....I never really had heartburn symptoms in my chest-my sysptoms always felt like the acid came all the way up to my throat and almost felt like vomit in there a little bit. The meds were not always able to control it. About a year ago it got worse I started having problems with my throat. I felt like there was something caught in it and I was always clearing my throat. I also was having difficulty swallowing and felt like there was a lump in there. I went to the ENT and they said I had a mucosal cyst on my eppiglottis-most likely caused by an acid burn. I had to have it surgically removed. they put me on panatprozole a proton pump inhibitor 40mg once a day. Two months after the surgery my throat feels worse than ever. I went back to ENT and she said that now I have a small ulcer in my throat and my voice box looked puffy and irritated, probably from acid irritating it. She put me on 40 mg twice a day to try to help the healing process and she referred me to gastro doc. The Gastro doc said LPR is a result of GERD. Some people only get acid reflux in their esophagus. But LPR sufferers have something that causes the sphincter in the upper esophagus to open and release acid into your throat. I am set up for a bunch of tests on my esophagus to figure out how to treat me and prevent it from getting worse. They are going to attach a capsule to the side of my esophogus that will send info to a transmitter to monitor the amount of acid, coming up. They will do a motility test not totally sure what that is for but they run a camera up through your nose down into your stomach, and they will do an endoscopy to check for cancer. I also have to go to another appt for baruim swallow and radiology to see what is causing the swallowing problem and why sometimes food gets caught in my throat.....I am scared.
Your doctor should know what LPR is...strange that he doesn't....? You might want to see an ENT to have your throat looked at....that is how my cyst and ulcer were found .
The gastro doctor that the ENT referred me to told me LPR is a side effect of chronic reflux-the ENT said that can happen too. The acid can damage your throat easier than your esophagus because it does not have anything to protect it against the acids. I was told it takes up to six months on proton inhibitors to give the throat time to heal-and that's only IF the medicine works....I am on month two and a half at twice a day dose so we'll see.
I go on 4/17 for endoscopy, motility test, and they will attach a capsule to my esophagus to see how much acid is coming up....I have to wear a transmitter for two days while it's inside me......then on 4/20 I go for barium swallow to see what's going on in there..my doctor said that the test are needed to figure out how to properly treat the reflux to prevent the LPR so I don't end up with cancer...not sure where your doc is located but you may want to get a second opinion he does not sound like he's cutting edge.........good luck and take care!
Thank you all for sharing your experiences...I'm happy to have found this site.
I, too, suffer from LPR. Didn't realize my many years of occasional scratchy throat led to this enormous suffering (thought it was my sinuses & post nasal drip)!!! It's been terrible dealing with this issue. I've been on Prilosec OTC 2 twice a day (GI recommendation) for about 3 months & still not complete relief, it has helped alot but not enough. Have changed my diet to avoid caffeine, etc., raised my bed, don't eat 3 or so hrs before bed, etc. Seems it just decides to be a problem w/o any provocation at times. I see where it can take 6 mos to get under control but I guess I expected pretty good relief by 3 mos anyway. It started for me at first being nighttime symptoms, miserable trying to sleep, then changed to more during the day from the time I start putting anything into my mouth....throat gets slightly raw at times during the night with a slight feeling of refluxing (no heartburn ever, pressure). I feel my tummy can't handle having the pressure of any food being in it. I've had the swallowing difficulty, which led me to get it checked out with the GI. They commented that the throat spasms to keep the reflux out of the lungs. I have a follow up coming up in a couple weeks. I also have severe sinus & allergy problems. I'm looking for a good ENT near NE Georgia, if anyone knows of one. I am willing to travel to Atlanta, Greenville, SC or Asheville, NC areas. I've read that not all ENT's are familiar with LPR. The GI did an endoscopic exam & found some changes indicating reflux but no Barretts, etc.
This is a very scary problem to have. It has made an impact in my life, for sure. The swallowing difficulty that occurs occasionally has given me added anxiety as it feels like someone has their hands around my throat...more difficult to breathe.
Thank you all for sharing your stories & hopefully we can all get relief from this ailment. Good luck.
I had posted once before when I realized I suddenly had LPR. Started with prilosec which worked for 1 month, switched to Nexium (same as prilosec) - didn't work. Finally found Pepcid AC works for LPR. Was taking tums also when needed as it's the same family of drugs. Bottom line is you don't want to keep treating this with drugs and not go to the source of the problem which is your autoimmune system is taxed with what you have been putting in your mouth for years and you need exercise daily. Stop drinking all caffeine, period, this includes chocolate. Temporarily stop eating red meat (taxes digestion). Stop ALL alcohol, period. Stop sodas and all carbonated drinks. Stop eating raw onions, tomatoes and anything spicey. Stop all citrus. Stop dairy. Immediately find a doctor who has the Genova Diagnostics relationship and get your blood tested for all allergies (food), silicia and also a 3 day fecal testing kit. Google Genova Diagnostics and call to find out what doctors in your area you can go to. Your problem is nutritional and your body is screaming for help. I was in a panic state, and by cutting out all the above things, and eating just fruit (not citrus) in the morning and eating small meals throughout the day, a lot of vegetables, steamed and ones I don't eat often and salad with sardines, white fish and white chicken. I improved almost immediately and only take one pepcid first thing in the morning and feel soon I'll be able to stop that. The swallowing problem stopped three/four days into this diet and so did the phelm ball in back of throat. If you cheat on this diet, don't expect it to work! I had my blood work done and am waiting to see which foods I really need to avoid for 6 months. I like challenges and this is a good one, but if you can't keep yourself disciplined, then stop complaining and know you'll have this for the rest of your life. But if you're disciplined, you'll be impowered and can beat this without presciption drugs and come out better than before you were diagnosed!
I have seasonal allergies; however, in the past 7 years, I get an uncontrollable cough that lasts for months. Docs were prescribing all sorts of codeine variants and nothing worked. Went to see a new allergist and she wanted me on Nexxium because I was coughing so much, she thought I must have GERD-type problems.
Recently, I went to see the allergist because the meds weren't helping. The more we talked, she said it sounded like LPR. I couldn't believe it - I have post nasal drip, hoarse throat, lump in throat, coughing, no heartburn! She gave me a pamphlett and some Nexxium samples. Uh ... yeah, the Nexxium is stopping the post nasal drip and all my other "allergy" symptoms.
My allergist says that she thinks there is a higher number of LPR patients that are misdiagnosed as allergies.
I have had sore throats for the past few years at least once a month... the sore throat would turn into a cold and cough and pain around my eyes... I thought it was around my period and had blood work done...and went to a few doctors the Dr.s couldnt find anything. About a year ago I experienced choking in my throat and very dry throat and drinking would not help. I went to an ENT this week and he diagnosed it with LPR. He said I should go off chocolate which I have been eating a lot of and other acidic foods that were part of my diet. I hope it will help. He also perscribed a medication that I am reluctant to use since there can be side effects. I am happy I finally found out what it was so that I can reduce the discomfort...
Wow, sounds like me. I thought I had strep throat before Thanksgiving with a cough. GP put me on antibiotics while I waited for the culture to come back. It was negative for Strep afterall. Still had very sore throat, pain migrating between tonsils, swollen neck glands and persistent cough. Was clearing my throat all the time too. After googling my symptoms, I felt I had GERD and bought Prilosec OTC, with some relief. Went to the ENT last week who confirmed reflux and recommended Kapidex or Nexium. I feel back to normal on the Kapidex. Will do dietary changes as well. Lost five pounds so far, avoiding soda, fried foods.
I do believe I had some sore of virus in early November as I did have a fever. Maybe this triggered the reflux. The sore throat was awful.
A few weeks ago I started having problems w/ my throat. It got scratchy and I lost my voice a bit. Then the sickness moved more to my nose. My mom said it was most likely a sinus infection. Its back in my throat again (this time more from postnasal drip, it was more my soft palet that hurt). I have never had heartburn in my life. Since I've been sick, I have thrown up twice. The last time I threw up was 3 1/2 to 4 years ago. Today it feels like the acid is staying in my throat, right at the bottom. It hurts to swallow any liquid, it burns. I don't know if the stomach and sinus and throat problems are coincidental, or if maybe I have something like LPR?? It just became a problem recently but I would really like to know now so I can find someway to treat it.
Me too, I have lpr and its the most painful illness i think in the world
i got sick of my life beacuse of the pain and i cant focus in any thing
from 9 months i got lpr but no one dignose me
until i read some websites and i realize i have lpr
now i eat (proton prducer inhabiter) from 5 months and i hope ill treat nearly
i'm afraid of cancer in my throte or another cancer
God treat us ameen
I have been suffering 3-4 months now with LPR caused by GERD went untreated, until recently i was diagnosed with acid reflux. My throat is still burning and I constantly have to clear my throat. I have been on Protonix 40mg every morning for about a week and still no sign of relief in my throat. I tried Prilosec, but gave me a negative side effect. I am really desperate to treat my LPR. How do you know which PPI works or responds for LPR? Does Kapidex work for LPR and how long does it take to work?
Date: 03/04/2011
Dear
I have been diagnosed with Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), and I am trying to find a specialist with experience in treating this condition. I hope that you can help me, and I would be grateful if you could answer some questions.
1. Do you treat Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)?
2. What treatments do you provide for this condition?
3. How many Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) Patients have you treated?
4. How successful were the treatments?
If you do not treat Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), do you know of any other specialists who do?
Thank you very much for your help.
Yours sincerely
Report
Patient name: Mr. Thamer al Shammiri
Age: 33. Male.
Following details I would like to submit to you regarding this case of mine.
This problem is to me for the last past three years and following are the conditions include in my case.
!) Sound change (when I talking I feel my sound is change).
2) Left hand side of my gullet has a pain always.
3) There has been irritation in my mounth.
4) Problem in speaking long hours.
5) Problem in breathings.
6) Too much spit is coming out from my mouth.
These are few examples in my case. Medicines are still going on but there is no result. Following are the medicine doctor gave me for e.g. ( Nexium / Proton )
These medicines I take from past three years.
Endoscopy report: Date: 11/10/2010.
Report finding: The patient tolerated the procedure well, and there were no complications.
Esophagus: Z- Line at 37-cm, Haitus hernia. Distal steak of erythema and ulceration.
Stomach: Fundus: Normal, Body + Antrum: Diffused area of erythema and erosins.
Duodenum: D1.D2: Moderate amount of erythema and erosins. D3: Normal.
Diagnosis: Haitus hernia. Reflux esophagitis II. Gastro-duodunitis.
Plan: Follow Biopsy result. Follow Clo-test result.
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Hi,
I also have some symptoms similar to LPR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux) where the stomach acid comes in the throat and irritates throat. I have GERD as well .I fell lump in throat and chocking some times a lot while taking my saliva. My throat becomes dry and dryness in mouth also without any thirst. 2 weeks back i was chocking on food as well. I am going for a stoboscopy next week and will get back with more details. I am taking antacids from past 4 months but since i got some stomach infections and took lot of antibiotics my acid refluc was increased and i got LPR.
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