Laryngopharyngeal reflex, LPR, occurs when stomach acid contents reflux all the way up to the esophagus and into the throat. When this happens, acidic material meets sensitive tissue at the back of the throat and even the back of the nasal airway.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of LPR in infants and children can include:
Chronic cough
Hoarseness
Noisy or loud breathing
Croup
Asthma
Sleep disordered breathing or sleep apnea
Spit up
Feeding difficulty
Turning blue
Causes
LPR occurs when the ring of muscle at the end of the esophagus does not work properly. The ring of muscle helps to keep the acidic contents of the stomach and prevent the contents from flowing back up.
Treatment
Most of the time, LPR is controlled with medications. Occasionally, surgery is needed in severe cases or those that don’t respond to medications.
Not all treatments, tests and services are available at all Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Check with your preferred location in advance.