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[Patsie]

Hi,

Looking for any help.  I had a stuffy nose, sore throat and ear pain only on one side for over three months I went to see GP and after being given antibiotics which did nothing he referred me to ENT on a 2 week cancer referral.  As you can imagine my mind when into overtime and complete panic set in.  Saw the consultant put a camera up my nose and down the back of my throat but was completely happy that he could see no cancer cells and diagnosed my with LPR as I also have a hiatal hernia.  Treatment is a nasal rinse and gaviscon advance after every meal.  I have been taking the medication now for a month but still getting the sore throat and ear pain thought not as sharp it’s now bearable. 

Has anyone else had these symptoms with LPR?  Just seeing how long I need to persist as been googling (something I know I shouldn’t do  ) as I don’t want to be taking the gavison all day long. 

[CLKD]

R U able to explain what LPR might be?

Hiatus hernia etc is common at 'our age' due to lack of oestrogen may cause laxity of muscles.  This. may also narrow the Eustachian tubes = sudden stabbing pains.

I can't stomach any of the gaviscon products.  My GP has prescribed omeprazolol which has worked for my heart burn/reflux, although the packet bought over the counter recently doesn't do as good a job!

At least there is nothing sinister going on !

[Patsie]

It’s Laryngopharyngeal reflux which is also called silent reflux as it’s the pepsin enzymes that cause the throat problems etc as I dont get heartburn from the hernia even though I take 15mg of Lansaprazole a day.

 

[DottyD68]

Hi Patsie,

I have similar but slightly different symptoms than you.

Had a really bad sinus infection 18 months ago and since then have had ongoing issues with post-nasal drip, scratchy throat and blocked / popping ear (audiologist diagnosed mild eustachion tube dysfunction).

I have seen 7 different GPs and told different things. Most prescribed steroid/antihistamine nasal spray whereas one told me to stop it completely. Another recent GP  told me to try a new steroid only nasal spray and also prescribed Lansoprozole to address any potential silent reflux (which I think I have). 2.5 weeks later I was back to another GP who diagnosed a nasal polyp (previous GP did not diagnose this despite looking up my nose) which would explain symptoms. He said to stay on steroid nasal spray to reduce inflammation/polyp and stop the Lansoprozole as he thinks polyp is causing post nasal drip and related symptoms. He said to try one thing at a time which I kind of agree with. If nasal spray doesn't work on the polyp then he will prescribe a course of oral steroids to treat it. So far (12 days later) the pnd and throat seems better but I still have some fullness/popping in my ear. He said to give it 6 weeks and I have booked a follow up appointment with him.

If you have had an ENT appointment they would have spotted any polyps so that is good. I think I may have issues at both ends - nose and LPR but just going through process of elimination. Could you try a course of PPI's from GP to see if they help?