LPR

LPR services offered in Lone Tree, CO

If you have difficulty swallowing, the feeling of something stuck in your throat, or breathing problems, it could be a condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). At the Institute of Esophageal and Reflux Surgery in Lone Tree, Colorado, a part of SoFI Research, LLC, premier foregut surgery specialists, including Philip Woodworth, MD, offers the most effective new treatments for LPR. Book your appointment online now or call the office to schedule a consultation.

LPR Q & A

What is LPR?

LPR occurs when the stomach contents back up and move into your food pipe (esophagus) and the back of your throat. This irritates your lungs and vocal cords and often causes symptoms similar to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). LPR is often called silent reflux or nonacid reflux.

What are the symptoms of LPR?

LPR can cause symptoms like:

Feeling of something stuck in your throat
Frequent throat clearing
Hoarseness
Weak or cracking voice
Throat irritation
Breathing difficulties
Chronic cough
Worsening asthma
Frequent sinus infections

GERD involves acid backwash that remains in the esophagus for a period long enough to cause irritation. If digestive fluids move rapidly through the esophagus and collect in your throat, you’ll experience LPR symptoms but not the heartburn or chest pain of GERD.

How is LPR diagnosed?

LPR diagnosis can be challenging, so it’s so necessary to see surgeons with extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating LPR.

The Institute of Esophageal and Reflux Surgery team takes the time to carefully examine and fully understand your symptoms. They’ll often prescribe specific tests to diagnose your problems.

Your tests may include:

Upper endoscopy
24-hour impedance/pH testing
48-96-hour capsule pH testing
Esophageal manometry
Barium esophagram

Most surgical practices don’t do these tests themselves. The Institute of Esophageal and Reflux Surgery possesses the unique expertise needed to perform and interpret these tests right in their office. Because they manage every aspect of your care, you get the most personalized treatment possible.

How is LPR treated?

LPR treatment is highly personalized, with the team recommending a plan that will work for your symptoms and treatment goals. Medications typically used for acid reflux don’t tend to work well for LPR. But a minimally invasive procedure can give you long-lasting LPR symptom relief.

Among the procedures the team might recommend are LINX®, Stretta®, and EsophyX® Z+ Device for Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF). The Institute of Esophageal and Reflux Surgery team uses the most advanced techniques to minimize the risk of complications while allowing a smooth recovery.

Minimally invasive LPR surgery can give you excellent results, often allowing you to live without reflux medication for years. To learn more about LPR surgery and how it can help you, call the Institute of Esophageal and Reflux Surgery now or schedule online.