I have LPR and esophageal spasms. LPR shows up for me as constant throat clearing, phlegm, sometimes tasting acid/bile, feeling like I’m going to choke as acid is coming up, hoarseness, sore/burning throat, and throat tightness. When it gets really bad, my throat burns so much that it hurts to speak. Many years ago I was diagnosed with esophageal spasms after having months of non stop throat burning and tightness (it was hell). I had an esophageal manometry test that confirmed the spasms. Although the cause is unknown, acid reflux is a factor. I also think stress impacts the central nervous system and flares up spasms and LPR.

Smooth muscle relaxant medications help with the spasms, as does Xanax and similar drugs (though you can’t take them long term).

Anyway, my LPR and spasms recently flared up so much that it hurt to speak (especially in the morning after drinking coffee). I was worried that I had regressed back to the worst of the worst.

I researched and tried some new things, and I would say I’m back to normal now, which would be mild LPR (usual throat clearing etc but no pain).

I’m sharing what I did in case it helps someone.

Gut health: -Started taking L glutamine (500 mg daily tho some people take much higher doses) -daily probiotic pill (I used pure encapsulations Probiotic GI, 1 pill daily) -drink 4 ounces Kefir daily (unsweetened lifeway brand) -switched to Purity coffee brand (less acidic) and drank with half and half (like usual) with no sugar. Two small cups only

For stress/nervous system (because nerves are involved in esophageal spasms and stress triggers my LPR): -vitamin b1 daily (100mg) -b complex daily (I use active b complex from integrative therapeutics) -choline daily (like a b vitamin - I use pure encapsulations brand)

Also did two acupuncture sessions and one craniosacral therapy session.

I’m relieved to be feeling better because LPR is hell. I hope this helps someone!