Does surgery work for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)?

Posted by Bpositive @bpositive, Jun 13, 2017

Since December 13, 2016. My symptoms started with a soar throat, soar inflamed taste buds on the tip of my tongue and inflamed salivary glands on my soft palate. My tongue, throat and soft palate had a painful burning sensation that was on and off. My General practitioner referred me to an Ear Nose throat specialist who referred me to an oral surgeon who referred me to an oral pathologist for burning mouth syndrome. After wasting 3 months of running around with these Dr's and being tested for oral thrush, hsv tests, vitamin deficiency tests, auto immune deficiency tests, cultural bacteria tests all which came back normal. I decided to go for a second opinion with another E.N.T. specialist who performed a camera scope and diagnosed me with acid in my throat. I was put on Dexilant and noticed the pain dissipate almost immediately only problem was I couldn't tolerate the medication. I was then put on Tecta and referred to a G. I. My general Practitioner did some blood work for h pylori and I tested positive. I started to develop tinitus in my left ear. I had a gastroscopy where they found a 2 cm Hiatel Hernial and my lower sphincter was weak. Thats when I was told I have a mild case of gerd, but I don't suffer from any heart burn. I was put on triple dose of antibiotics for h pylori and continued with the Tecta, domperadone and sucrolafate. I'm getting a little relief from the PPI and meds but I still suffer from bitter reflux taste and burning pain in my throat, soft Palate, the tip of my tongue and dry mouth that comes and goes. I'm in the process of having a 24 hr ph level test done. The G. I. I was seeing says my esophagus biopsy tested clean and he doesn't believe what is happening in my oral cavity is related to my gut. He stated in order for acid to travel to the throat it has to travel through the esophagus and the esophagus tested clean. Thus he can't help me anymore. I'm so confused my ENT says I have acid in my throat and the G.I. doesn't agree.

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rocket102 | @rocket102 | Mar 4, 2023

In reply to @t98 "You should see a gastroenterologist." + (show)

Thank you, the internet has shown both. I appreciate your help.

Zebra | @californiazebra | Apr 3, 2023

In reply to @cmdw2600 "Has anyone been diagnosed with silent reflux or LPR? This is a condition where there is..." + (show)

@cmdw2600 I've had GERD for years and have taken a PPI (pantoprazole). It helps, but not completely resolve the issue. Tried stopping the med and my GERD really flared up. I have a hiatal hernia as the cause of reflux - last checked 4 years ago. I don't like meds either and decline most, but the reason I like taking a PPI is because my GI told me some meds only help reflux while this one actually heals damage to the esophagus as well. Before I took it my esophagus was bright red. After, just a healthy pink. My bother passed away from esophageal cancer (Dx at stage III) at 59 and was told he had silent reflux. He had no idea. No symptoms. The past few months, I go hoarse right after eating no matter what I eat so I'm wondering about LPR and wondering what changed. That used to only happen after forbidden foods like tomato soup. Now it's after everything. It makes me feel weak and a little embarrassed to talk with a hoarse voice, but more importantly is a concern. It improves a couple hours after eating, but is a cycle all day long. I hope some solutions are working for you. Lori

rocket102 | @rocket102 | Apr 3, 2023

In reply to @californiazebra "@cmdw2600 I've had GERD for years and have taken a PPI (pantoprazole). It helps, but not..." + (show)

Wow, Lori, thank you so much for sharing this information. I do notice my voice is worse after I eat. Wow! I have an appointment with a GI at the end of April and an ENT in June. It’s just impossible to get into specialists. I’m concerned as this started in August.
Grateful for all you have shared.
Very sorry for your loss. ❤️

Zebra | @californiazebra | Apr 3, 2023

In reply to @rocket102 "Wow, Lori, thank you so much for sharing this information. I do notice my voice is..." + (show)

Good luck to you. I had my reflux for a long time before I was treated just because I had more pressing health concerns. I was just at a level of esophageal irritation when scoped -- nothing alarming. Hoping that hasn't changed. I'm sure my brother likely had the silent reflux for years. Good that you're getting everything checked out. You're right, it is a long wait to see a specialist for the first time, but followup visits are usually timely once your foot is in the door. Two specialists means two opinions. Yay! Since I haven't seen an ENT for this, I'll be interested to hear if the ENT treats or refers you back to the GI. Please keep us posted. Thanks.

t98 | @t98 | Apr 4, 2023

In reply to @californiazebra "@cmdw2600 I've had GERD for years and have taken a PPI (pantoprazole). It helps, but not..." + (show)

try to eat small meals and move around after eating, and sit straight and not slouched, stretch arms out, relax muscles... sitting slouched can cause the sphincter to open (like the old fashioned coin purse you'd squeeze to open)

cmdw2600 | @cmdw2600 | Apr 4, 2023

In reply to @californiazebra "@cmdw2600 I've had GERD for years and have taken a PPI (pantoprazole). It helps, but not..." + (show)

Lori, I understand your worry. My dad died from esophageal cancer so of course I have concern.
Please read The Chronic Cough Enigma by Dr. Jamie Koufman. Even if you don’t have a cough, the book addresses voice changes and sore throat.

I am using many homeopathic remedies, but please do your own research if you decide to implement them.

Aloe Vera (ingested)
DGL
Zinc Carnosine
Teas with marshmallow root, slippery elm and licorice

If your doctor approves you can also investigate an H2 blocker like Pepcid. It is many times recommended for LPR.

Since I have had throat irritation for two and a half years, I finally found a doctor who could perform TNE-transnasal esophagocopy. This was a simple in office test where this ENT specialist was able to look down my throat with a camera. I have had two endoscopies in the past two years, but this was specific to the larynx and surrounding areas and required nor sedation.

Best wishes, Cindy

rocket102 | @rocket102 | Apr 4, 2023

In reply to @cmdw2600 "Lori, I understand your worry. My dad died from esophageal cancer so of course I have..." + (show)

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! I will certainly give these a try.

rocket102 | @rocket102 | Apr 4, 2023

In reply to @t98 "try to eat small meals and move around after eating, and sit straight and not slouched,..." + (show)

Thank you, I am a sloucher!

Zebra | @californiazebra | Apr 4, 2023

In reply to @cmdw2600 "Lori, I understand your worry. My dad died from esophageal cancer so of course I have..." + (show)

Cindy, thanks for much for all the great information!!! When I tried going off my PPI that triggered a lot of coughing so I went back on it. Best to you, Lori

Zebra | @californiazebra | Apr 4, 2023

In reply to @t98 "try to eat small meals and move around after eating, and sit straight and not slouched,..." + (show)

Hi @t98 -- good info. Interesting about slouching and a very visual analogy. I do have a tendency to slouch especially when sitting in a chair. It just happens. I have eaten very small meals for years with all my eating issues, but am not always moving around afterwards so I'll give this a try. I appreciate the response. Best to you, Lori

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