Have you ever finished a big meal or large latte from Hatchet Coffee only to be greeted with an unpleasant nausea and burning sensation in the chest? This discomfort is likely caused by acid reflux, a condition wherein stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat and stomach.
Occasional acid reflux is a common experience for many people. While it typically affects the lower esophagus, some patients report throat symptoms. When stomach acid frequently reaches the throat and vocal cords, it is known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). It is estimated that over half of patients with chronic hoarseness suffer from LPR.
What Happens When Stomach Acid Reaches Your Throat?
The persistent presence of acid in the throat due to LPR can cause several throat-related symptoms, including hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, chronic coughing, difficulty swallowing, postnasal drip, laryngitis (inflammation of the vocal cords) and sore throat. If left untreated, LPR can exacerbate these symptoms and potentially cause permanent or severe damage to the throat.
How Can I Manage LPR?
Your ENT specialist will likely recommend lifestyle changes to manage LPR. These changes may include eating small meals, eating three hours before bedtime, wearing loose-fitting clothing, sleeping on your left side, reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking and avoiding spicy, acidic or caffeinated foods and beverages.
Medical treatments may be necessary if lifestyle changes do not provide sufficient relief. These can include prescription medications to neutralize or block stomach acid or surgery to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent reflux.
How Can I Help My Throat Heal?
Depending on the severity of your LPR, it may take some time for your throat to heal following treatment and lifestyle changes. A few ways you can take care of your throat during the healing journey include:
- Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help keep your throat from becoming too dry. Carry a water bottle or drink plenty of hot herbal tea with honey or marshmallow root.
- Take a talking break. When you can, try to minimize the amount of talking, yelling or singing you do. If you talk on the phone a lot during the day or give many presentations, try written communication like emails or memos where possible.
- Run a humidifier. Dry air can aggravate an already sore throat. While North Carolina may already be high in humidity, running a humidifier or hot shower can help give your throat an extra moisturizing boost.
Don’t let acid reflux interrupt your favorite meals. Contact Blue Ridge ENT today to schedule a consultation with one of our experts.