LPR treatment

Has anyone had LPR, if so what was your medical treatment?

PPI twice a day? Gavison Advance?

I am suspected to have LPR having asthma like symptoms, rhinitis and throat irritation to name some.

[hjskev]

Yes I have silent reflux apparently with the same symptoms as yours plus a burning sensation in my mouth. I took PPIs for quite a while and Gaviscon Advance. I have stopped the PPIs as I was advised that they were not good long term. I don't know if that's correct or not. I still take Gaviscon advance at night and sometimes after a meal if necessary. I think you have to give your oesophagus a chance to heal. I hope mine has as I haven't got a cough at the moment.

[Hidden in reply to hjskev]

Thank you for the reply.

Did you get really bad shortness of breath as well? How long did it take for your symptoms to clear?

It started as a dry cough for me resulting into a wet cough (guessing body was trying to protect the food and wind pipes with muscus) with runny/blocked nose. Few weeks later, I started to get shortness of breath 24/7 included.

I have lost a few kgs (approx 90 to 82kg) and modified my diet.

I have been given esomperzole 40mg to take daily and told to use gavison advance as well.

I will be moving to acidex advance (same as gavison advance) as it is cheaper and less sodium.

[hjskev in reply to Hidden]

My main symptoms were a cough and a burning mouth. The mouth for me is/was the worst bit as it gets quite debilitating when there is no relief. I was advised not to chew chewing gum but this is the only thing that gives me any relief, but it can cause excess acid. I didn't have asthma like symptoms but I know others who post on here have.

Since reading your post I have googled LPR because I didn't know it was silent reflux.

An article I read suggested using chewing gum with bicarbonate of soda which would be ideal for me but I can't find any. The bicarb is supposed to help with the acid. If anyone knows what to buy it I would appreciate it. I get Gaviscon on prescription

I have lost weight too and changed my diet to include more fibre and I brew kombucha which is supposed to help gut bacteria. Full fat Greek yogurt is also very stomach calming. I just try to eat stuff that makes me feel comfortable. At the moment I have had a longish period with no symptoms. I'm just hoping it continues. Oh and I just can't face drinking wine anymore and I used to enjoy it.

[Hidden in reply to hjskev]

Also, I tried to find that gum too but couldnt find it. I read somewhere that normal chewing gum after meals strengthens the stomach LES (chewing motion).

Now I eat out of baby/toddler bowl for breakfast cereal (correct portion size) with fruit. Lunch I will have a healthy meal replacement shake with fruit. Dinner I will eat using a nhs portion control plate with yogert. No more junk food.

I think everyone in this modern world overeats hence stomach works harder and produces more acid.

I might request acidex advance on prescription (save nhs money not using gavison advance) as I am using 3x 500ml bottles per month until suspected LPR (silent reflux) or severe GERD improves.

[Eddi50]

I was diagnosed 10 years ago with LPR and given PPI for 8 weeks. I then stopped taking it because of safety concerns and went on a vegan diet. The symptoms went away as long as I stuck to the diet. And, no trigger foods: chocolate, peppermint, vinegar or alcohol. I was originally misdiagnosed with asthma because of a constant persistent cough that nothing would make go away for about 4 months. Also constant sore throat with a raspy voice and shortness of breath. Chest X-ray indicated I had COPD!!! It was a pulmonologist who finally gave the correct diagnosis. LPR, not COPD! I did fine most of the time but if I cheated on the diet, symptoms would come back, but I would immediately go back to diet and it would go away. I recently, tried to stop the vegan diet and was doing ok for awhile, but then it all came back with a vengeance. I’m trying a low-fat diet that’s not quite as restrictive with a little white meat chicken, eggs or turkey on occasion, 4 small meals a day (overeating is a big trigger) and back on PPI. It’s taken me 2 months to get all of the symptoms back under control. The coughing really takes a toll on me and I’m left with awful fatigue. You have to decide that you can’t eat like you used to. Good luck, hope this helps!

[Joeeviemax1 in reply to Eddi50]

So helpful, it’s so frustrating not being able to eat and drink what you want/enjoy but I guess it’s about weighing up how much you’re prepared to put up with. I still have nights out but accept that I will suffer for a few days after, then try and be sensible with what I eat and drink the rest of the time. This site is really helpful and it’s good to know you aren’t alone x

[Eddi50 in reply to Joeeviemax1]

It can be frustrating, especially when going out to dinner with friends. In most restaurants there is nothing on the menu but a salad ( no oil or vinegar) or a plain baked potato with baked chicken. And no wine! But my weight stays down-lol! You do get used to it. If you cheat on your diet, you’ll notice your throat is a little sore an the coughing starts up. Just stop right away and get back to the diet that works for you. If you don’t, you can find it really can get out of control. I’m a runner and since this last bout of reflux (after a weekend away with my daughter-over eating, glass of wine and a small piece of chocolate!) I’ve not been able to run bcuz of shortness of breath, uncontrollable coughing and fatigue for 2months! It’s not worth it!!! I’m starting to finally feel better and am hoping to run a 5k in May with my daughter and granddaughter. Stay well!!

[Joeeviemax1 in reply to Eddi50]

You’re so right, good luck with the 5k x

[Eddi50 in reply to Joeeviemax1]

Thanks!