Surreal illustration of a person sleeping peacefully, symbolizing relief from acid reflux.

Silent Reflux: How to Stop LPR Symptoms and Protect Your Throat

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the latest insights on Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) and innovative treatment options, including sleep positioning, to ease discomfort and improve your quality of life."

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), commonly known as silent reflux, is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the larynx (voice box) and pharynx (throat). Unlike gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), LPR often presents without the typical heartburn symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. Instead, individuals may experience hoarseness, chronic cough, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing.

A recent study published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery sheds light on innovative approaches to managing LPR. The study, led by Tierney et al., explores the effectiveness of a sleep positioning device in reducing LPR symptoms. This article delves into the findings of this research and provides a comprehensive overview of LPR, its causes, symptoms, and various treatment options.

Understanding LPR is crucial for those experiencing persistent throat and airway irritation. This guide offers practical strategies, from lifestyle adjustments to medical interventions, to help you manage LPR symptoms and improve your overall well-being. Whether you're seeking relief from chronic cough or struggling with a sore throat, this information will empower you to take control of your health.

What are the Key Differences Between LPR and GERD?

Surreal illustration of a person sleeping peacefully, symbolizing relief from acid reflux.

While both LPR and GERD involve the reflux of stomach contents, they differ in several key aspects. GERD primarily affects the esophagus, causing heartburn and indigestion. LPR, on the other hand, extends to the larynx and pharynx, leading to symptoms such as hoarseness and throat irritation. Understanding these differences is essential for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Classic GERD is often associated with esophagitis, heartburn, and regurgitation. In contrast, LPR is less likely to cause these symptoms. Instead, it's characterized by:

Chronic cough
Hoarseness
Sore throat
Postnasal drip
Difficulty swallowing
The sensation of a lump in the throat

These symptoms often occur during the day and may not be directly linked to meals. LPR is primarily due to the hypersensitivity of the mucous membranes in the pharynx and larynx following acid reflux, even from physiological acid reflux. Some recent studies suggest that LPR can also be caused by gas reflux or non-acid reflux. On the other hand, GERD typically occurs while in the supine position at night.

Key Takeaways for Managing LPR Symptoms

LPR, or silent reflux, is a condition that can significantly impact your daily life. By understanding its unique characteristics and adopting appropriate management strategies, you can effectively alleviate symptoms and protect your throat and airways. Whether through lifestyle adjustments, medical interventions, or innovative solutions like sleep positioning, there are numerous avenues to explore for lasting relief.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is silent reflux or LPR?

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), also known as silent reflux, occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the larynx (voice box) and pharynx (throat). This differs from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because LPR often doesn't present with heartburn. People with LPR might experience symptoms like hoarseness, chronic cough, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. It's important to recognize LPR because it can cause irritation and discomfort in the throat and airways, potentially impacting your overall well-being if left unmanaged.

How is LPR different from GERD?

The main differences between Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) lie in the affected areas and symptoms. GERD primarily affects the esophagus, causing heartburn and indigestion. LPR, however, reaches the larynx and pharynx, leading to symptoms like hoarseness, chronic cough, and throat irritation. Understanding these differences is key because it ensures an accurate diagnosis and the application of the right treatments. Classic GERD also involves esophagitis and regurgitation, which are less common in LPR.

What are the symptoms of LPR?

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) symptoms include chronic cough, hoarseness, sore throat, postnasal drip, difficulty swallowing, and the sensation of a lump in the throat. These symptoms often occur during the day and may not be directly related to meals. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial because it allows for early detection and management of the condition. Hypersensitivity of the mucous membranes in the pharynx and larynx following acid reflux, even from physiological acid reflux, or gas reflux can cause LPR.

How do you manage LPR symptoms?

Managing Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) symptoms can involve several strategies. Lifestyle adjustments and medical interventions can help alleviate symptoms and protect the throat and airways. The use of sleep positioning devices represents an innovative approach to reduce LPR symptoms. Management is important because LPR can significantly impact your daily life, causing discomfort and irritation, and effective management can improve your overall well-being.

How does sleep position affect LPR?

Sleep positioning can help manage Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) by reducing the amount of stomach acid that flows back into the larynx and pharynx while sleeping. Elevating the head during sleep helps to keep stomach contents from reaching the throat. This is significant because it can alleviate symptoms such as hoarseness and sore throat, contributing to a better quality of life, as a study by Tierney et al. explores the effectiveness of a sleep positioning device in reducing LPR symptoms.