September 2006

Larynopharyngeal Relux (LRRD) Helped by Lifestyle Changes

Several months ago a gentleman called from London to tell me he was an opera singer who had lost his voice because of reflux. He asked if sleeping on a MedSlant pillow would give him his career back. I replied that I thought sleeping on the MedSlant would help his reflux, I didn’t know about the career. He told me that in addition to seeing a gastroenterologist he had also seen a speech therapist who had recommended sleeping elevated. About three weeks after he received the pillow, he called again to let me know that he was able to sing again and that his voice was continuing to get stronger.

We receive many orders from people who say they heard about us from their speech therapist or ENT (ear, nose and throat). I decided it was time to do some research. I didn’t understand why a speech therapist would recommend sleeping elevated. The ENT part was easier – many people with snoring problems as well as congestion see an ENT (Otolaryngolist) who recommends sleeping elevated.

Like you, I know about GERD, nighttime reflux, and silent reflux, but I did not know about laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPRD). I know about the lower esophageal sphincter, but not the upper.

The esophagus has two sphincters which are bands of muscle fibers that close off the esophagus to help keep the stomach contents in the stomach where they belong. The upper sphincter is at the top of the esophagus at the junction with the upper throat and the lower sphincter is at the bottom of the esophagus at the junction with the stomach. Since reflux means a backward flow, it usually refers to the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus or throat.

GERD or LPRD?

When stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus it is called GERD; into the throat it is called LPRD. Although many symptoms are similar, there can be some differences. Hoarseness, coughing, and a bitter taste in the mouth may be symptoms of both whereas frequent throat clearing, pain in the throat, the feeling of a lump in the throat, and referred ear pain may indicate LPRD. Physicians use many criteria to determine the type of reflux; both OTC and prescription medications may be the same or different.

Lifestyle modifications are similar for both:

• Try to reduce stress
• Pay attention to the foods you eat and how you react to them
• Eat small meals more frequently
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Do not lie down for at least two hours after eating
• Stop smoking
• Avoid alcohol
• Don’t wear tight fitting clothing
• Sleep elevated.  Don’t elevate by just piling pillows under your head; this may increase reflux by kinking the stomach.
• Most important, if you experience any symptoms two or more times a week, see a physician for a professional diagnosis and advice and treatment.

Two good online sources of information on LPRD are www.entcolumbia.org/lprd.htm, a website of the New York Columbia University and Presbyterian Hospital, and www.entnet.org/healthinfo/topics/GERD.cfm, a website for the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

Please keep the phone calls and emails coming to 1.800.346.1850 or customerservice@medslant.com. I love hearing from you.

Wishing you a good night’s sleep,

Adele Camens
CustomerService@MedSlant.com

“I have only used this pillow for 4 nights but it is sooooo comfortable. I have a hiatal hernia and in addition to medication I'm supposed to sleep with my head raised. I think this will work just fine. Thanks!”

- P. Hopkins

If you have any questions, comments, or just want to chat, we love hearing from you. You can contact us via email at customerservice@medslant.com or by calling 1.800.346.1850

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The MedSlant™ wedge pillow helps relieve the symptoms of Acid Reflux, heartburn, GERD, acid indigestion, sinus congestion, Gastroesophogeal Reflux, etc. for a healthier, more restful good night's sleep. The content provided on this web site is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician(s).  Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. The MedSlant™ wedge pillow helps relieve the symptoms of Acid Reflux, heartburn, GERD, acid indigestion, sinus congestion, Gastroesophogeal Reflux, etc. for a healthier, more restful good night's sleep. The content provided on this web site is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician(s).  Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.