Do you keep clearing your throat? Do you have a cough that won’t go away or a voice that sounds hoarse? You may think allergies, a cold, or sinus problems are to blame. But in some cases, the cause is silent reflux.
Silent reflux happens when stomach contents reach the throat or voice box. Unlike typical acid reflux, it often doesn’t cause heartburn. Instead, it can lead to throat symptoms that are easy to mistake for something else.
Silent reflux, also called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), happens when stomach contents move up past the esophagus and reach the throat. The tissue in the throat are very sensitive. Even a small amount of reflux can cause irritation.
Unlike typical acid reflux, you may not feel heartburn at all. Instead, silent reflux symptoms often affect your throat, voice, or breathing.
Silent reflux gets its name because the usual warning signs, like heartburn, are often missing. Instead, you may notice symptoms that seem unrelated to reflux:
Many people mistake this for allergies, sinus problems, or postnasal drip. Some spend months treating the wrong condition before they learn reflux is the cause.
This often feels like a throat problem, not a digestive problem. Symptoms may include:
Silent reflux can make it feel like mucus is stuck in the back of your throat. You may find yourself clearing your throat often or swallowing more than usual, even when little mucus is present.
Frequent throat clearing can make irritation worse. That can create a cycle that’s hard to break.
Muscles in the esophagus help keep stomach contents in the stomach. When those muscles relax at the wrong time or don’t close completely, stomach contents can travel upward.
Common triggers include:
Silent reflux condition shares symptoms with several other conditions. That’s why it can be hard to diagnose.
To diagnose silent reflux, your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history. They may also examine your throat using a small, flexible scope. This quick exam helps your doctor look for signs of irritation in the throat and voice box.
Signs may include:
Treatment focuses on reducing reflux and allowing the throat to heal.
Most people start with simple lifestyle changes, including:
Your doctor may also recommend medication to reduce stomach acid. These medications help some people, but they don’t work for everyone.
Silent reflux can cause throat clearing, hoarseness, a chronic cough, and a feeling that something is stuck in your throat. Because it often doesn’t cause heartburn, many people don’t realize reflux may be the problem.
If your symptoms aren’t going away, schedule an appointment with Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio. A gastroenterologist can determine if silent reflux is causing your symptoms and recommend the right treatment. Call our office or request an appointment online to get started.
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