Brief Answer: Yes it can cause Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your query. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux(LPR) unlike Gastroesopharyngeal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a silent reflux and its symptoms are usually not like GERD. There may not be burning sensation in chest or pain. Yes, It can cause shortness of breath and may aggravate conditions like asthma, Emphysema any may cause change in voice(hoarseness). X-ray film is normal with gas under the Diaphragm. Since other tests you mentioned came out to be normal, LPR can be suspected. Suggestions: *Start taking Proton Pump inhibitors like Pantoprazole daily before breakfast. *Start Antacids to help neutralize acid. *Take Sucralfate to protect injured mucous membranes. *Go for investigations like Upper GI endoscopy to look inside esophagus and stomach and pH monitoring. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

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Brief Answer: LPR need to be diagnosed first. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for the follow-up. Your recent X-ray is also normal. Dullness or brightness of X-ray film depends upon amount of exposure to X-rays, quality of film and Developer used and time given to develop the film. You can see that whole of the film is dull and not any particular part. Now coming to LPR, it should be diagnosed first as it is a sub category of GERD. Yes, LPR can lead to pulmonary fibrosis in long term if not treated or managed properly. As a long term management life style modification is required like losing weight(exercise) and dietary changes like avoiding spicy and junk food.Alcohol and smoking must be stopped. Along with this, medicines mentioned should be taken. Surgery is last last option, if required. Nissen Fundoplication is usually advised for this. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you good health.

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Brief Answer: Aspiration is rare and serious Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for the follow-up. Initial LPR symptoms include hoarseness, throat clearing, lump in the throat sensation, chronic cough, sensation of postnasal drip, trouble swallowing, and excessive mucous. Patients with severe LPR will develop breathing problems (wheezing, shortness of breath) and choking spells. and it is mostly due to throat cause and rarely aspiration. Your symptoms have progressed to SOB and preventive measures mentioned have to be taken to prevent further lung damage as you mentioned Pulmonary fibrosis. Yes, Linx surgery is available in India and cost vary depending upon city and hospital. In long term LPR can cause above mentioned problems and it is also thought to be associated with cancer (throat, voice box, esophagus). If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you good health.

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