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Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)
Hi. My problem started about a month ago when I started chugging down a glass of water and suddenly I had a spasm in the area of my pharynx. It scared me, and took several minutes to abate, but no other symptoms. Soon, I found that I could no longer drink orange juice without the same problem, and then ice cream gave me very thick saliva that was difficult to spit out as well as the tightness in my throat. I had had problems with normal heartburn in the past, but a few days of ranitidine (Zantac) and I was OK. I think this was because of my taking ibuprofen on an empty stomach. If the Zantac didn't help, which was seldom, I took Prilosec for 3 days and it was gone. Now, after the spasms, I began burping and having hiccups frequently, which was new to me, so I started on Prilosec 20mg once a day. I also changed my diet to conform with the diet for GERD and I think I'm beginning to get better, but it's taken a lot out of me because I've been on the same diet for a long time and all of a sudden I'm missing crucial nutrients that I ordinarily get. By the way, I"m 69 and have been healthy and disease free for at least 20 years. I want to discontinue the Prilosec because I've only been taking it for a little more than two weeks. I'm wondering if I could switch back to the Zantac 150mg twice a day without experiencing rebound symptoms because I've been on the Prilosec for such a short time. I can see that there are many people here with digestive health problems and I'm hoping someone can steer me in the right direction. My doctor is very good at giving labs and writing prescriptions, but he doesn't seem to do much doctoring, but that was OK, because I haven't had any serious health issues. He just told me " You know you have to see a gastroenterologist". Because of the holiday I haven't been able to schedule an appt. yet and now, with some of the symptoms lessening, I'm hoping there's a chance that I can switch to Zantac, or preferably cimetidine (Tagament) which helped me greatly when I developed an ulcer many years ago, and solve this problem without any intervention. The reason I want to stop taking it is because of the side effects. I've had diarrhea a few times and lots of headaches.I"m also worried about the things that can happen when you have so little stomach acid. I"d appreciate any comments from people who have had experience weaning off Prilosec after short term use, or anyone who has suffered with LPR or laryngopharangeal reflux, or anyone at all. Thanks for listening!!
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Hi Ken, I’m sorry to hear about your surgery complications. I hope you are able to overcome this. Do you have LPR as a result of your GERD? If so what medications are you on to treat it? I was only able to have a telehealth appointment with a gastroenterologist from Mayo Clinic. He said it’s difficult to get a good evaluation over the phone. I’m on the east coast and I’m trying to figure out how long I would need to go there to get the proper tests and hopefully treatment.
@michelle34 Have you tried Boston General or the Cleveland Clinic..? Both are highly rated in GI.. Right now I am not taking any other meds for the esophagus ... things have settled down during the Pandemic.. as I am not on the go so much.. K
Thank you. I’m glad you are feeling better!
Hi, I’ve been suffering with LPR for 5 months. I’ve tried multiple PPI’s, H2 blockers, and antacids. I’ve changed my diet and elevated my bed. I’ve been to multiple gastrointestinal doctors and ENT’s that can’t seem to help me. I’m not getting any relief and my symptoms are getting worse. On a daily basis I have burning in my chest and ears, sore throat, constant sour taste in my mouth, post nasal drip, and asthma. I think the worst part is my mental health. I’m battling anxiety and depression everyday and fear that I am going to be stuck like this forever. I was wondering if anyone is suffering these symptoms and has any advice? I appreciate any one who can reach out
Thank you,
Michelle
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1 Reaction@michelle34 I sent another reply earlier about Dr. Halland at Mayo MN (so look for that too) . He prescribed two medications, a 20mg Esomeprazole Magnesium and a 15 mg Mirtazapine (as he says, it will help you think you should eat) ..
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1 ReactionThank you so much for your suggestion. It is greatly appreciated! I’m so glad I joined this group. It’s nice to hear from people that are going through similar situations. Thank you again!
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1 ReactionHi @michelle34, I am sorry you are having such a hard time getting help. You will see that I did move your inquiry over to the ongoing discussion about LPR. This not only groups like topics together and pushes the conversation to the top of the list, it also allows everyone in both conversations one common place to see all the comments and respond.
Michelle, what proton pump inhibitors have you tried so far?
@Michele34; I can sympathize with you. I went through that with Gelsolin and FKTN LGMD$. Don't know of only one is the cause, but I have several genes that relate to these two and impact the larynx . If you have had your genome sequenced, you or your doctor can go first to OMIM, and check out your symptoms, then check out which genes might be having an effect, then go to Human Phenotype Ontology at HPI.jax.app/browse/gene/xxxx (enter Gene number) to find out the major phenotypes. It will save you much worry, time, and money, and make your doctor a lot smarter.
I elevate the top of my bed with risers and that has helped tremendously with acid reflux (I’ve been diagnosed with GERD caused by a hiatal hernia). Bed risers can be bought at any store selling beds and bedding, like Bed Bath & Beyond, etc. I think I recently saw bed risers in a Dollar Tree too! They come in sets of four, but you only need to use two for the under the casters or legs of the head of your bed. It will need some getting used to because you will keep sliding down the bed, but it really helps with the reflux!