Chronic sore throat since weeks. have reflux but never had sore throat. endoscopy reveals mildly lax les. on protonix (pantoprazole) 40 twice a day. what now ?

GE reflux: Chronic sore throat can still be caused by reflux despite medication. If still sleeping flat on your back, try sleeping on a wedge or elevate head part of bed by 4-6 inches. Hope that helps.

Give Rx time : You need to give the Protonix (pantoprazole) up to 8 weeks minimum to begin to see improvement. It certainly can take up to 6 months to achieve significant gains. If rx fails , sometimes a laparoscopic nissen fundoplication is necessary (surgical procedure). This will tighten the les and reduce or eliminate symptoms without rx ideally.

No concensus on Rx: Above the Dx is LPR ,25% experience spontaneous symptom resolution and 50% have a chronic course with intermittent exacerbations and remission. PPI for 8-12 wks. is the first step in RX. . if no response , confirm Dx , Most useful Laryngeal signs for LPR are reported to be erythema, oedema, presence of a posterior commisure bar , cobble stoning. lifestyle Change & Behavioral change helps.