Health condition
Silent reflux (LPR)
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is reflux that reaches the throat and voice box, causing hoarseness, throat clearing and cough, often without heartburn.
Why trust this guide
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Editorial team
Written by our editorial team from the UK sources listed on each page.
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Sourced from guidance
Checked against current NHS and UK specialist society guidance at the time of review.
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Current for 2026
Reviewed on 2026-09-27 with the next review scheduled for 2027-09-27.
Key facts
The essentials at a glance.
The symptoms to recognise, when to seek help, which specialist to see, and what treatment usually involves.
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Typical symptoms: hoarse voice, chronic throat clearing, a lump-in-the-throat feeling and cough
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See your GP if hoarseness lasts more than three weeks or swallowing becomes difficult
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Specialist: a consultant ENT surgeon or gastroenterologist, sometimes working together
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Treatment options include dietary and lifestyle change, alginates such as Gaviscon Advance, and acid suppression
Understanding the condition
What it is and what happens next.
What causes it, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment routes available in the UK.
What it is and how it feels
Silent reflux, or laryngopharyngeal reflux, happens when stomach contents rise as far as the larynx and pharynx. Because the throat lining is far more sensitive to acid than the oesophagus, small amounts cause hoarseness, throat clearing, a sensation of mucus, and cough, frequently without any heartburn at all.
Diagnosis and treatment routes
Diagnosis is usually clinical, supported by examination of the voice box with a small flexible camera; treatment combines meal timing and weight measures with alginate therapy and, in some cases, a trial of acid suppression. Persistent symptoms warrant specialist assessment to exclude other throat conditions. In many parts of the UK, routine NHS referrals for this kind of problem currently take 20-45+ weeks, whereas an initial appointment with a private consultant is typically available within around two weeks.
Seeing a specialist
Who to see, and how quickly you can be seen.
The specialist for this condition is usually a consultant ENT surgeon or gastroenterologist. Your GP can refer you on the NHS, or you can arrange a private consultation directly.
A quiet reminder
This guide is for information, not medical advice.
Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and seek urgent care for any of the emergency symptoms described above.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Silent reflux (LPR).
Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.
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What is silent reflux (LPR)?
Silent reflux (LPR) is a medical condition that can affect people differently depending on severity, underlying cause and overall health. A clinician can confirm the diagnosis and explain what it means specifically for you.
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Why does silent reflux (LPR) happen?
Causes vary and can include genetic, environmental, lifestyle and other health-related factors, and in some people no single clear cause is found. Your clinician can help identify anything relevant to your own case.
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How would I know if I have silent reflux (LPR)?
Symptoms vary between individuals and depend on which body systems are affected and how significant the underlying problem is. Keeping track of what you notice, and when, helps your clinician assess it accurately.
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Is silent reflux (LPR) serious or dangerous?
Severity varies from mild and self-limiting to more significant, depending on the underlying cause and how it's managed. A clinical assessment is the best way to understand what it means in your specific situation.
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Is silent reflux (LPR) hereditary or genetic?
This depends on the specific condition — some cases have a genetic or familial component, while others are linked more to environmental, lifestyle or other health factors. If you have a relevant family history, it's worth mentioning to your clinician.
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Can silent reflux (LPR) be cured, reversed or prevented?
Many cases can be effectively treated or managed, and prevention strategies exist for some causes, though this depends on the specific underlying reason in your case. Your clinician can explain what's realistic for you.
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What treatment options are available for silent reflux (LPR)?
Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and severity, and can range from simple lifestyle or self-management measures to medical or specialist intervention.
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How long does silent reflux (LPR) last, or take to recover from?
This varies depending on the underlying cause, how early it's identified, and how well it responds to treatment — your clinician can give a more specific expectation once assessed.
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When should specialist referral be considered for silent reflux (LPR)?
Specialist referral is worth considering if symptoms persist, are getting worse, or aren't responding to initial treatment — your GP can help decide the right pathway and urgency.
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When should I see a doctor about silent reflux (LPR), and how quickly can I be seen privately?
See a doctor if symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life — earlier assessment generally leads to better management. NHS routine referrals for this kind of concern often take 20–45 weeks or longer depending on the area, while a private consultant can typically see you within about 2 weeks, with faster access to scans and specialist opinion.