Inna A. Husain, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist and fellowship-trained laryngologist specializing in voice, airway, and swallowing disorders. She currently serves as Vice President of Education at RefluxRaft, where she helps guide evidence-based content and patient education initiatives. Dr. Husain is deeply committed to raising awareness and improving care for patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), one of the most commonly misunderstood conditions in both general and specialized practice.
In this post, Dr. Husain offers expert answers to the most common questions she hears from patients about LPR—what it is, how it’s treated, and what real healing can look like. From navigating confusing symptoms to understanding emerging treatment options, she breaks down the essentials in a clear, approachable way.
When Reflux Isn’t Obvious
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)—often referred to as “silent reflux”—can be especially tricky to identify. Unlike classic acid reflux, LPR doesn’t always come with heartburn. Instead, it shows up in less obvious ways: chronic throat clearing, hoarseness, a sensation of a lump in the throat, or a persistent postnasal drip that just won’t go away.
These symptoms are often misattributed to allergies, asthma, or even anxiety. Patients may spend months—or years—chasing answers. And even when LPR is diagnosed, treatment can be frustrating. Standard acid-suppressing medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may only offer partial relief, especially if reflux is reaching beyond the esophagus.
In this Q&A, Dr. Husain shares what patients and providers need to know about diagnosing and managing LPR effectively, including lifestyle adjustments, dietary guidance, and the role that alginate therapy can play in protecting sensitive tissue.
Q1: What is LPR, and how is it different from acid reflux or GERD?
Dr. Husain:
LPR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease) symptoms affect the upper airway, which means patients often experience things like chronic cough, chronic postnasal drip, hoarseness, globus (a lump-in-the-throat sensation), and sore throat. There are also smaller studies linking it to chronic sinusitis, tinnitus, and chronic ear infections.
While LPR is often considered the same as GERD, it’s really its own distinct condition. We believe acid plays a smaller role in LPR than in GERD, so treatment approaches should vary. Many patients assume their reflux is under control with acid suppression therapy, but continue to experience symptoms because the root cause hasn’t been addressed.
Another important misconception is around diagnosis—LPR can’t be diagnosed by ENT exam alone. That exam is important for ruling out other conditions, but LPR diagnosis often requires a broader look at symptoms and underlying factors. It’s also important to know that LPR isn’t just one condition—there are various root causes, which is why personalized treatment plans work best.
Q2: What are the most common symptoms of LPR that people often miss?
Dr. Husain:
In our culture, we associate “reflux” with heartburn. But many people with LPRD don’t feel heartburn at all—that’s why it’s often called “silent reflux” (even though the symptoms are far from silent).
Things like throat clearing, hoarseness, or postnasal drip may not immediately be linked to reflux. As a result, patients often go down the allergy or sinusitis pathway without relief, because the real issue—reflux—isn’t being addressed.
Q3: What lifestyle or diet changes make the biggest difference in managing LPR?
Dr. Husain:
I encourage my patients to focus on strategies that limit reflux movement, like eating smaller portions, limiting caffeine (which can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter), and avoiding carbonation—those little CO₂ bubbles love to rise out of the stomach.
Staying upright after meals, managing stress, and addressing conditions like sleep apnea can all make a big difference. Stress and poor sleep make reflux worse, so we look at those factors, too.
Realistically, I know reflux diets can feel overwhelming, especially for people who love food (like me!). Instead of strict restrictions, we focus on small, sustainable changes. I also recommend support tools like alginates (e.g., RefluxRaft) to help manage symptoms in a way that still lets you enjoy life.
Q4: How long does it typically take to feel better once treatment starts?
Dr. Husain:
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. I’ve had patients improve immediately just by cutting out bubbly citrus water, and others who needed a few months of lifestyle changes and testing to find the root cause.
For most, LPR is a chronic condition, but that doesn’t mean you can’t feel better. Consistency is key. I stay closely involved with my patients over time, adjusting care as needed to make sure they continue to see improvement.
Q5: Can LPR be fully cured, or is it something I’ll always have to manage?
Dr. Husain:
That depends on the underlying cause. If the reflux is due to something like an H. pylori infection, that can be treated and essentially cured. But if it’s caused by dysmotility (poor movement of the digestive system), it may be something you’ll need to manage long-term.
That’s why it’s important to do a proper diagnostic workup when LPR is suspected. Understanding the root cause helps guide more effective, personalized care.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Husain
If you’re struggling with symptoms like chronic cough, hoarseness, or throat clearing, and standard treatments aren’t working, it’s worth considering LPR as a possible cause.
Standard treatments often begin with acid-suppressing medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are designed to reduce stomach acid. While these medications can help in some cases, they don’t always address the full scope of LPR, especially when non-acidic components like pepsin or bile are involved. Lifestyle and dietary changes, such as avoiding trigger foods, elevating the head of the bed, and not eating late at night, are also commonly recommended. But even with these adjustments, many people continue to experience persistent symptoms.
Relief is possible with the right care and a tailored plan. If you’d like to learn more, speak with a trusted ENT who understands LPR, and don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself along the way.
Need More Support?
Explore more expert-backed education and reflux-friendly tools right here on the RefluxRaft Blog, including A Q&A with LPR Specialist Dr. Inna Husain.
Follow Dr. Husain on Instagram for more expert tips: @innahusainmd