Differences in Causes of GERD and LPR
When food is digested, rings around the bottom and top of the esophagus, known as sphincters, become smaller in size to keep the contents in the stomach from flowing up into the esophagus. During an episode of acid reflux, this process does not occur as usual. In other words, the sphincter would not shut properly. This may result in both LPR and GERD. However, there is a major difference between them. In people with LPR, contents in the stomach may go up to the back of the throat, leading to a sore throat and cough. On the other hand, GERD only causes stomach contents to flow up to the esophagus and cause the typical burning sensations. [7]
