Both are reflux, but they behave differently and show up in different places. GERD involves prolonged acid exposure in the esophagus — that's the classic heartburn, and it often leaves visible irritation an endoscopy can find. LPR episodes are brief and often gaseous: small amounts of acid and pepsin travel quickly past the esophagus to the throat and voice box, frequently without any burning at all. The esophagus may look fine on a scope while the throat — which has almost no natural defense against acid or pepsin — accumulates real irritation.

The treatments differ for the same reason. Acid suppression reduces acid production, which serves GERD well. LPR symptoms are frequently driven by the non-acid components of reflux, especially pepsin — which is why ENT specialists often look beyond acid suppression to approaches that block the backflow itself, like alginate raft therapy.

PPIs reduce stomach acid production, which helps some LPR patients — but LPR symptoms are frequently driven by non-acid components of reflux, especially pepsin, which PPIs don't address. This is one reason many people with throat symptoms see incomplete results from acid suppression alone. Alginate raft therapy takes a different approach: a physical barrier that blocks backflow itself, acid or not. It can be used alongside a PPI or on its own — talk with your provider about your situation.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux — reflux that reaches the throat and voice box rather than stopping in the esophagus. Because it often occurs without heartburn, it's called silent reflux. Typically diagnosed and managed by ENT specialists.

Yes — that's the "silent" part. Episodes too brief to burn the esophagus can still irritate the far more sensitive tissue of the throat.

Patterns to watch: symptoms worse after meals or in the morning, a voice that degrades over the day, and no cold or allergy that explains it. Only a clinician can diagnose LPR — an ENT is the right specialist to ask.

Lemon Ginger or Berry Burst after meals — same Enhanced Alginate Therapy, two flavors; Lemon Ginger adds ginger for throat soothing. If mornings are your worst time, that points to nighttime reflux: add Midnight Berry PM before bed. (link to nighttime hub)

Blanket elimination diets are hard to sustain, and triggers vary by person. Many people find that taking RefluxRaft after meals reduces how much individual foods dictate their symptoms. Work with your provider on what's right for you.

Yes — it's non-systemic and compatible with most medications, including PPIs. Check with your provider about your specific regimen.

The raft forms within minutes and lasts up to 4 hours per serving. Throat tissue that's been irritated for months settles gradually — consistency after meals matters more than any single dose.

Alginate is a food-derived fiber generally well tolerated for daily use, with no rebound effect and no dependency. Check with your provider if you're pregnant, on a sodium-restricted diet, or take medications.