Column May 3, 2025
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux — When Stomach Acid Damages Your Voice
Hyo-seop Kim
Chief Director
Table of Contents
No heartburn, but something feels wrong with my throat
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a condition in which stomach acid travels beyond the esophagus and refluxes up to the larynx and pharynx, irritating the vocal cords and laryngeal mucosa. Unlike typical gastroesophageal reflux disease, heartburn is often absent, which is why it is sometimes called "silent reflux."
Main symptoms
- Voice is particularly hoarse in the morning
- A foreign body sensation as if phlegm is stuck in the throat (similar to plum-pit qi)
- Frequent throat clearing
- Worse after meals or when lying down
Korean medicine treatment: descending stomach qi (胃氣下降) is key
In Korean medicine, stomach qi (胃氣) normally moves downward, and the reverse — qi rising upward — is called counterflow of stomach qi (胃氣上逆).
- Banhasasim-tang (半夏瀉心湯): A representative formula that brings stomach qi downward and suppresses reflux
- Ijin-tang (二陳湯): Removes phlegm (mucus) from the throat
- Acupuncture: Normalizes gastric motility through points such as Zhongwan (中脘), Neiguan (內關), and Zusanli
Lifestyle measures to reduce reflux
- Do not lie down within 2 hours of eating
- Elevate the upper body about 15 cm during sleep (incline the mattress, not just the pillow)
- Cut back on overeating, fatty foods, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcohol
- Avoid tight collars or belts