Here’s how LPR can cause pain above the Adam’s apple, says an E.N.T. doctor.
LPR stands for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, and is a common culprit in pain or discomfort above the Adam’s apple.
“Throat pain is not a normal symptom; this does not mean, necessarily, that something bad [cancer] is going on with the throat,” says Dr. Stacey Silvers, MD, of Madison ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery in NYC, who is board certified in otolaryngology.
Dr. Silvers continues, “The Adam’s apple refers the thyroid cartilage. This tissue, like any tissue in the body, can get inflamed. In this case it is referred to as chondritis.”
Chond = cartilage, and itis means inflammation.
“Common things are common however, and pain in this area is invariably caused by acid reflux, otherwise known as silent reflux (LPR),” explains Dr. Silvers.
“LPR is when acid gets up into the back of the throat around the level of the larynx and the opening of the esophagus.
“The symptoms include post-nasal drip, throat pain, lump in the throat, trouble swallowing, pain with swallowing, throat clearing and cough.
“Stomach acid is an irritant and does not belong in the throat. The pH of this acid is 2 and is highly acidic and irritating to the tissues.
“This causes pain, swelling — and the body to try to protect itself with thick mucus from the back of the nose (causing a feeling of post-nasal drip and the need to clear the throat).”
Rubbing your fingers on the Adam’s apple will not make the pain or discomfort go away.
Triggers of Acid Reflux
When acid reflux occurs, it can travel high enough to cause LPR.
One common trigger is certain foods and beverages. Spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate and caffeinated drinks can irritate the esophagus or relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which normally prevents acid from escaping the stomach.
Fatty or fried foods also tend to slow down digestion and increase the likelihood of acid reflux.
Another significant factor is overeating or eating large meals.
Consuming large portions puts extra pressure on the LES, making it more likely that acid will be pushed upward into the esophagus.
Eating late at night or lying down immediately after a meal can exacerbate the problem, as gravity helps keep stomach contents where they belong.
Smoking, too, weakens the LES, and alcohol can both relax the LES and increase stomach acid production.
Wearing tight-fitting clothing around the waist may add pressure on the stomach, leading to acid reflux — which again, can make its way to the throat: LPR that irritates the Adam’s apple area.
Stress can increase stomach acid production and slow down digestion, while inadequate sleep can affect the body’s ability to manage stomach acid levels.
We’re not done! Obesity puts extra pressure on the stomach, and this could cause those stomach juices to go where they shouldn’t.
The solution to pain above the Adam’s apple from LPR?
Make an effort to avoid all of the triggers of acid reflux and hence, the LPR, though stressful situations are often difficult to avoid.
An NYC expert in ear, nose and throat care, Dr. Silvers has been named among America’s Top Physicians and Surgeons in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology numerous times since 2003.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Top image: Shutterstock/Niran Phonruang
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