Brief Answer:
Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query. I will try my best to help you out with this problem.

After going through your history, I do presume you could be suffering from Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux. Laryngo-pharyngeal Reflux, or LPR, is the medical term for gastric reflux.

This happens when food and acid from the stomach and upper digestive tract flow backward all the way up into the back of the throat, and sometimes even into the back of the nasal airway. The regurgitated acid thus burns the throat and induces inflammation of the mucosa. The inflamed mucosa gives rise to a sensation of the lump and choking in the throat.

Excess saliva is produced by the salivary glands to neutralize the acid regurgitated into the throat.

As you are already on Nexium, a proton pump inhibitor, please continue the same for at least a month. In addition, you will require oral prokinetics and antacids for reducing the reflux and neutralizing the acid in the stomach. If the symptoms do not subside with the above measures, you need to consult an apt Gastroenterologist.

Meanwhile, drink plenty of warm water and make some dietary changes. Dietary modifications are extremely important in managing reflux and can sometimes be effective without other intervention. Below mentioned are the few preventive measures.

Avoid or minimize reflux triggers within the diet:
• Alcohol
• Fried/Fatty Foods
• Spicy Foods
• Tomato-Based Foods
• Citrus food
• Caffeinated Beverages
• Carbonated Beverages

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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