Conveniently located to serve San Diego
GERD and LPR are common conditions affecting a great deal of people worldwide. At ENT Associates of San Diego, our board-certified otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) are dedicated to helping patients with these conditions find relief from their symptoms. Most people with GERD and LPR in San Diego, California, respond well to a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.
What Are GERD and LPR?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when acid from the stomach flows back, or refluxes, into the esophagus. The reflux of the acid irritates the lining of your esophagus and often causes a burning sensation. When acid refluxes beyond the upper esophageal sphincter and into the back of the throat, this is known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
GERD and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Video
Symptoms of GERD and LPR
The typical symptoms of GERD are:
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bitter taste in your mouth
- Ear pain
- Sinus problems
- Rotting teeth
LPR symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Lump in the throat
- Chronic cough
- Constant need to clear the throat
- Mild hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sensation of having mucus stuck in the throat
- Post-nasal drip
- Swollen, red, or irritated voice box or larynx
These symptoms can be evaluated by one of our expert ENTs who have the experience and tools to diagnose GERD or laryngeal reflux.
What Causes GERD and LPR?
Lifestyle factors and physical issues usually cause GERD and LPR. Daily choices, such as eating citrus, chocolates, spicy and fatty foods, and harmful habits, like overeating, lying down after eating, eating late, drinking alcohol, and smoking, may cause these conditions.
Physical/anatomical reasons for GERD and LPR include abnormal or weak muscles at the junction between the esophagus and stomach, abnormal esophageal spasms, hiatal hernia, and slow stomach emptying.
Diagnosing GERD and LPR
GERD and LPR are initially diagnosed based on symptoms before tests are carried out. These tests usually include an endoscopy, X-ray, biopsy, and esophageal motility testing. Other diagnostic tools include a 24-hour evaluation that monitors the liquid’s acidity and flow from the stomach to the esophagus and emptying your stomach.
GERD and LPR Treatments
The standard treatment plan for GERD and LPR typically involves a combination of dietary and lifestyle modifications, medications, and, in some cases, surgery. These lifestyle alterations often include:
- Eating a bland diet
- Losing weight
- Eating frequent and small meals
- Positioning your head correctly when you’re sleeping
- Stopping the habit of clearing your throat
Prescriptions like ulcer medications, antacids, and foam barrier medications may also be given. Patients will usually need to take them for one to three months.
Recovery
Most patients experience significant improvement within weeks of starting treatment. Recovery timelines vary depending on the severity of your condition and whether surgery was necessary. For those who undergo surgical intervention, full recovery typically takes several weeks, during which our team will closely monitor your progress.
At ENT Associates of San Diego, we provide comprehensive follow-up care to ensure your treatment remains effective. Regular appointments allow us to adjust medications as needed and address any concerns you might have.
Benefits of GERD and LPR Treatment
- Relief from chronic throat irritation and heartburn
- Improved swallowing and vocal quality
- Decrease in chronic cough and post-nasal drip
- Reduction in sleep disturbances caused by reflux
- Long-term improvement with proper lifestyle and medical management
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
If you’re interested in learning more about GERD and LPR treatments, don’t hesitate to schedule an informative consultation at one of our offices in La Mesa, Chula Vista, or Escondido, CA. We’ll develop a personalized treatment plan for your GERD or LPR in San Diego to address your specific needs and help you live a more comfortable life.
