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Is LPR Caused by Allergies?

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) is a condition that is not caused by allergies but instead occurs when there is a buildup of stomach acid that enters the throat and voice box.

  1. Identification

    • LPR is a condition that affects the stomach. It occurs when the muscles in the esophagus are not working correctly, and there is a backflow of acid in the stomach, which affects the voice box and throat.

    Misconceptions

    • LPR is not caused by allergies, but some of the symptoms are a cough, loss of or hoarseness of the voice, a sore throat and difficulty with swallowing food.

    Misconceptions

    • Some LPR cases have been misdiagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Although GERD is also caused by a backup of stomach acid, with this condition, the acid travels to the esophagus. One of the major symptoms is heartburn, which many people with LPR do not experience.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Most people can be treated with medication that can reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, but surgery is recommended for more severe cases.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Doctors such as Jerry Huo, Clinical Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology at Weill Cornell Medical College, recommend that patients make long-term lifestyle changes that include losing weight, quitting smoking and no longer eating foods that are high in fat.

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