Silent Reflux (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux)

UT Southwestern Medical Center’s experts in throat and digestive tract conditions have advanced training and extensive experience in treating silent reflux – also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) – and related disorders.

Our teams use the latest advancements to relieve symptoms and treat the causes of LPR, providing the best possible outcomes for patients.

What Causes Silent Reflux?

When people eat, food travels down the esophagus into the stomach, where the gastrointestinal system begins to digest it. The esophagus has a sphincter (ring of muscle) where it connects to the stomach that closes to prevent stomach contents from going up the esophagus. If the sphincter does not close properly, acidic stomach contents can flow back into the esophagus and up to the throat and larynx.

Risk factors for developing LPR include:

• Alcohol and/or tobacco use
• Certain refluxogenic food choices, such as fried or spicy foods
• Clothing that is tight around the abdomen
• Obesity
• Habits such as overeating or lying down just after eating

How Is Silent Reflux Diagnosed?

At UT Southwestern, our skilled laryngologists conduct a thorough evaluation, which includes a:

• Physical exam
• Review of personal medical history
• Discussion of symptoms

In some cases, we can confirm a diagnosis of LPR based on our evaluation, without any additional testing. Depending on each patient’s specific needs, we sometimes will diagnose reflux with objective testing, such as pH and impedance testing.

When needed, additional tests might include:

• Acid reflux test: Test to measure the amount of acid in the fluid inside the esophagus
• Upper endoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): Test to view inside the throat and esophagus using a long tube with a lighted camera at its tip
• Barium swallow study: Test to evaluate how food moves from the mouth through the esophagus, using a special liquid called barium that shows up on X-rays