“LPR can follow an upper respiratory infection,”
…says Dr. Stacey Silvers, MD, of Madison ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery in NYC, who is board certified in otolaryngology.
It’s not a coincidence that you have developed LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux disease) following your infection of the upper respiratory tract.
Dr. Silvers explains, “Many patients describe a prolonged dry cough after a viral URI or prolonged hoarseness after a URI. These are classic symptoms of silent reflux.”
LPR is the “silent reflux,” called this because it doesn’t present with what most people associate with acid reflux (thanks to endless TV commercials): the symptom of heartburn.
“We know emotional stress increases stomach acid production, and much of this acid comes up in the throat leading to LPR symptoms,” continues Dr. Silvers.
“A URI is a stessor on the body and can result in similar prolonged symptoms. Reflux medication and a reflux diet will resolve these issues.
“URI symptoms should resolve in 5-7 [days] unless the cause is bacterial.
“Antibiotics, after a culture, may be required. If it is not bacterial and symptoms progress weeks to months, then reflux should be considered, and treated.
“If a patient has a prolonged cough, postnasal drip, throat clearing and hoarseness after a URI, feeling well otherwise, the diagnosis is most likely silent reflux,” or LPR.
