The Connection Between Acid Reflux and Throat Health

Posted on by Goodyear Office

If you’ve ever eaten one too many spicy tacos at Gallo Blanco or drank four coffees before lunch time, you might be familiar with acid reflux. The condition, wherein stomach acid flows into the esophagus and occasionally up to the throat, is relatively common. Occasional acid reflux isn’t usually a big deal, but when the reflux is chronic or reaches your throat, it can negatively impact your health.

How Does Acid Reflux Affect the Throat?

Illustration of the stomach and esophagus on a man to indicate acid reflux.

Acid reflux that affects the throat is known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). About 10% of patients who visit throat specialists have LPR. When stomach acid rises to the throat, it can cause a range of symptoms, including but not limited to:

  • Hoarseness and sore throat
  • Throat clearing
  • Chronic cough
  • A feeling as if something is stuck in the throat
  • Excessive mucus production or postnasal drip
  • Laryngitis
  • Wheezing
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • New or worsening asthma symptoms

These symptoms arise because of the corrosive nature of stomach acid. As the acid travels up your esophagus and into your throat, it inflames and erodes the tissue. Because the side effects can be so severe, early LPR management is crucial.

Why Does Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Happen?

You have two guards that are supposed to stop stomach acid from rising: the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). If either opens when it shouldn’t, stomach acid can escape.

Managing Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Medication, diet and lifestyle changes are the first line of defense against LPR when there aren’t significant issues with the LES or UES:

  • Medication. Medication neutralizes the acid content in your reflux to protect the throat tissues. Your ENT specialist may recommend proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers in addition to dietary changes.
  • Diet changes. Dietary changes, such as limiting alcohol and coffee and eating smaller portions of food more frequently in place of larger meals, can help minimize reflux.
  • Lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes, like eating earlier, wearing loose-fitting clothes after meals, sleeping on your left side and quitting smoking, are all effective ways to manage reflux.

Surgery for LPR isn’t common, but if there is a problem with your LES or UES, your ENT specialist may recommend a surgical option like a Nissen fundoplication to reinforce the esophageal sphincters and prevent them from opening when they shouldn’t.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of LPR, please contact us at Goodyear Office today to schedule an appointment with one of our trusted specialists.