LPR: What It Is, How It Affects You, and What You Can Do

When you think of acid reflux, you probably picture heartburn. But LPR, laryngopharyngeal reflux, is a type of acid reflux that doesn’t always cause burning—it creeps up silently into your throat and voice box. Also known as silent reflux, it’s often missed because it doesn’t show the classic signs. Instead, you might have a persistent cough, hoarseness, or the feeling that something’s stuck in your throat. Unlike regular GERD, LPR doesn’t always make you feel nauseous or get chest pain. That’s why so many people suffer for months without knowing why.

It’s not just about stomach acid. LPR, a condition where stomach contents travel up past the esophagus and into the larynx and pharynx can be triggered by eating late, drinking coffee or alcohol, lying down after meals, or even stress. The vocal cords and throat tissue are super sensitive—so even small amounts of acid can cause irritation, swelling, and long-term damage if ignored. You might not realize it, but if you’re clearing your throat often, have a raspy voice, or feel like you’re always clearing mucus, it could be LPR. It’s not allergies. It’s not a cold. It’s acid doing damage you can’t see.

People with LPR often try antacids and think they’re fixed. But those only help a little. The real fix? Lifestyle changes. Avoiding trigger foods like chocolate, citrus, and spicy meals. Not eating within three hours of bedtime. Elevating your head while sleeping. Cutting out smoking. These aren’t just tips—they’re what studies show actually reduce symptoms over time. And while medications like PPIs are commonly prescribed, they don’t work for everyone, and long-term use can bring new problems. That’s why understanding your own triggers matters more than any pill.

The posts below dive into real cases, treatment gaps, and what actually helps people with LPR—not just what’s advertised. You’ll find comparisons of medications, natural approaches that work, and how other conditions like asthma or sleep apnea might be making it worse. No fluff. No guesses. Just what’s been shown to help people who’ve been told it’s "just stress" or "allergies." If you’ve been struggling with throat issues that won’t go away, this is where you start.