Silent Reflux or LPR

I was finally diagnosed in 2019 after so many tests. My GP was on Medical leave so another doctor in the practice ordered all the lung tests. I had shortness of breath, extreme excess phlegm, a feeling of something stuck in my throat, small bits of food getting stuck and chest pressure. The chest x-ray, cat scan and breathing tests made me relieved but did not solve any problem. I was prescribed Prednisone and that did partially clear my throat and relieve the chest pressure but my main symptoms persisted. I tried a few home remedies which did make me feel better temporarily. Next, I made an appointment with a Cardiologist. After EKG, Echocardiogram and a nuclear stress test found nothing I did not know where to turn to.

I was thinking Allergist and decided an ENT doctor would be better first. Well he knew pretty quick what it was. Trying to make a now sceptic patient believe it could be so simple as diet related took some convincing. He put the tube through my nose to my throat and prescribed Prilosec. I scoured the Internet for LPR which I did not know existed. At that time I did not have a great diet but consumed a lot of healthy food and drank lots of water. Every morning I made smoothies for myself and my kids. Like a lot of other people Apple Cider Vinegar was a regular part of my life. If you look even now you will still see that people swear by ACV to help with their acid problems. I stopped using ACV / water mix and kept it out of my smoothies at the same time I was taking the medication. Because I read a lot online I learned my other culprits as well. My afternoon espresso and the mint candies. I didn't seem to have a problem with tomatoes as long as they weren't mixed with spicy peppers. Not every LPR sufferer will have the same triggers. My life was saved by just food changes and 8 months of Prilosec. I will say that due to this issue and also high triglycerides I completely changed my diet. I don't think you need to go to extremes but I'm now Vegan - WFPB. ACV - even the smell makes me sick and causes my throat to burn. I actually do vomit if it's in anything I eat. I don't believe I'll ever be cured but it's very rare that I have symptoms now. I really do think ACV is so bad with anyone with LPR.

Before I have Bravo meter implanted (to measure acid) which requires another endoscopy, I’d like to have the transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) or the 24 hour ph-Impedance test. Unfortunately I cannot track down an ENT who performs these tests. Any advice on how to find? Keep reaching dead ends.

Thank you!

Before I have Bravo meter implanted (to measure acid) which requires another endoscopy, I’d like to have the transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) or the 24 hour ph-Impedance test. Unfortunately I cannot track down an ENT who performs these tests. Any advice on how to find? Keep reaching dead ends.

Thank you!

I was finally diagnosed in 2019 after so many tests. My GP was on Medical leave so another doctor in the practice ordered all the lung tests. I had shortness of breath, extreme excess phlegm, a feeling of something stuck in my throat, small bits of food getting stuck and chest pressure. The chest x-ray, cat scan and breathing tests made me relieved but did not solve any problem. I was prescribed Prednisone and that did partially clear my throat and relieve the chest pressure but my main symptoms persisted. I tried a few home remedies which did make me feel better temporarily. Next, I made an appointment with a Cardiologist. After EKG, Echocardiogram and a nuclear stress test found nothing I did not know where to turn to.

I was thinking Allergist and decided an ENT doctor would be better first. Well he knew pretty quick what it was. Trying to make a now sceptic patient believe it could be so simple as diet related took some convincing. He put the tube through my nose to my throat and prescribed Prilosec. I scoured the Internet for LPR which I did not know existed. At that time I did not have a great diet but consumed a lot of healthy food and drank lots of water. Every morning I made smoothies for myself and my kids. Like a lot of other people Apple Cider Vinegar was a regular part of my life. If you look even now you will still see that people swear by ACV to help with their acid problems. I stopped using ACV / water mix and kept it out of my smoothies at the same time I was taking the medication. Because I read a lot online I learned my other culprits as well. My afternoon espresso and the mint candies. I didn't seem to have a problem with tomatoes as long as they weren't mixed with spicy peppers. Not every LPR sufferer will have the same triggers. My life was saved by just food changes and 8 months of Prilosec. I will say that due to this issue and also high triglycerides I completely changed my diet. I don't think you need to go to extremes but I'm now Vegan - WFPB. ACV - even the smell makes me sick and causes my throat to burn. I actually do vomit if it's in anything I eat. I don't believe I'll ever be cured but it's very rare that I have symptoms now. I really do think ACV is so bad with anyone with LPR.

What does your diet consist of? What do you usually eat?

I think what I don't eat now made the biggest difference. I have always had a sugar addiction. Some of the most extreme at an early age involved me with a spoon and a sugar cannister. It wasn't raw sugar anymore when I hit my teens but no less harmful. Did not help that I was tall and always thin so I didn't see any reason to slow it down. Fast forward to age 59. I had not had any real health issues until then so I was lucky. The LPR felt like it came out of nowhere but looking back I probably had it for years. With the testing came a lipid panel and my triglycerides were nearly 400 - So I found this part out first.

As mentioned I read a lot and knew sugar had to go, I concentrated on no other food elimination except the sugar at first because it was the worst. After the LPR I started removing more foods. The mints and ACV is what I think made the biggest difference. Concentrating on my diet I then removed meat and dairy. I'm not a huge veggie fan but still drink smoothies so I put in there what I don't like mixed with fruits. I also loved stir fried veggies over rice with Tamari and spices. I stopped eating most processed foods. I have more time to cook from scratch now because since Covid I have been working from home. The only citrus fruit that I eat is lime because citrus is bad for LPR. It's not easy and I do not preach my diet to anyone else. I feel great eating mostly healthy. Olive oil occasionally. I don't follow any rules other than my own as far as carbs. I do eat tortillas, pancakes, pasta and white rice. I use oat flour over white flour if I'm baking. My sweet tooth is still with me but I use maple syrup and fruit now. Seriously, applesauce and raisins help. Mild salsa over spicy and soups are great. I don't think there is any one answer to controlling LPR for different people.

I was finally diagnosed in 2019 after so many tests. My GP was on Medical leave so another doctor in the practice ordered all the lung tests. I had shortness of breath, extreme excess phlegm, a feeling of something stuck in my throat, small bits of food getting stuck and chest pressure. The chest x-ray, cat scan and breathing tests made me relieved but did not solve any problem. I was prescribed Prednisone and that did partially clear my throat and relieve the chest pressure but my main symptoms persisted. I tried a few home remedies which did make me feel better temporarily. Next, I made an appointment with a Cardiologist. After EKG, Echocardiogram and a nuclear stress test found nothing I did not know where to turn to.

I was thinking Allergist and decided an ENT doctor would be better first. Well he knew pretty quick what it was. Trying to make a now sceptic patient believe it could be so simple as diet related took some convincing. He put the tube through my nose to my throat and prescribed Prilosec. I scoured the Internet for LPR which I did not know existed. At that time I did not have a great diet but consumed a lot of healthy food and drank lots of water. Every morning I made smoothies for myself and my kids. Like a lot of other people Apple Cider Vinegar was a regular part of my life. If you look even now you will still see that people swear by ACV to help with their acid problems. I stopped using ACV / water mix and kept it out of my smoothies at the same time I was taking the medication. Because I read a lot online I learned my other culprits as well. My afternoon espresso and the mint candies. I didn't seem to have a problem with tomatoes as long as they weren't mixed with spicy peppers. Not every LPR sufferer will have the same triggers. My life was saved by just food changes and 8 months of Prilosec. I will say that due to this issue and also high triglycerides I completely changed my diet. I don't think you need to go to extremes but I'm now Vegan - WFPB. ACV - even the smell makes me sick and causes my throat to burn. I actually do vomit if it's in anything I eat. I don't believe I'll ever be cured but it's very rare that I have symptoms now. I really do think ACV is so bad with anyone with LPR.