DOES LPR MAKE YOU SNEEZE
Since realising that my condition is actually Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), I have been trying to find the answer to one question: does LPR make you sneeze? It seems my own experience would only count as anecdotal evidence, but I truly believe this might be the case. After searching online, I can only find a couple of indicators that sneezing might be a symptom.
LPR, often referred to as silent reflux, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the throat, causing irritation. Unlike gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which primarily affects the esophagus, LPR affects the larynx and pharynx. This can lead to a range of symptoms including hoarseness, a sensation of a lump in the throat, chronic cough, and throat clearing. However, the connection between LPR and sneezing is not widely discussed or well-documented in medical literature.
In my own experience, I have noticed a correlation between my LPR symptoms and an increase in sneezing episodes. This has led me to wonder if the irritation and inflammation caused by stomach acid reaching the upper airway could trigger sneezing as a reflex response. Sneezing is typically a protective mechanism to clear the nasal passages of irritants, and it's plausible that the irritation from reflux could be perceived as such by the body.
While there is limited information available, some sources suggest that LPR can cause postnasal drip, which might contribute to sneezing. Additionally, LPR can exacerbate conditions like allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, which are known to cause sneezing.
In my search for answers, I've come across a few anecdotal reports and discussions in online forums where individuals with LPR mention sneezing as one of their symptoms. Although these accounts are not scientifically validated, they do provide some support for the idea that there might be a link between LPR and sneezing.
To gain a clearer understanding, more research is needed to explore this potential connection. It would be beneficial for healthcare professionals to consider sneezing as a possible symptom when diagnosing and treating patients with LPR. In the meantime, individuals like myself who experience sneezing in conjunction with LPR may find some relief through treatments aimed at managing reflux and reducing throat irritation. This could include dietary changes, medications, and lifestyle modifications to minimise acid reflux episodes.
If you are experiencing sneezing along with other LPR symptoms, do let us know. It would be invaluable to gather more information on how you are experiencing these symptoms. Together, we might be able to bring this question to the attention of medical professionals for further examination and potentially contribute to a better understanding of LPR and its symptoms.
Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed on this blog and website are solely those of the author and do not represent the opinions or views of any academic, hospital, health practice, or other institution.