When most people think of heartburn (or acid reflux), they think of that characteristic burning sensation that tends to follow big meals or spicy foods. But for some people, acid reflux is much more subtle — so subtle, it's often referred to as “silent reflux.”
The problem: Because it’s so subtle, many people attribute silent reflux symptoms to allergies or postnasal drip, which means the underlying cause can go untreated — and eventually get worse.
If you have persistent or recurrent sore throat symptoms, the team at ENT Specialists can help determine if silent reflux could be the culprit or if something else is to blame, so you can receive the right treatment to relieve your symptoms and prevent potential complications.
When you have heartburn or reflux, acid flows backward past the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular barrier that separates your stomach and your esophagus. When the acids come into contact with the sensitive lining of your esophagus, they irritate not only those tissues, but local nerves also, resulting in the familiar burning sensations.
Those burning sensations are uncomfortable, but they also serve as a warning sign that lets you know your esophagus needs some help — and that’s when most of us reach for antacids.
Silent reflux (or laryngoesophageal reflux) happens the same way, but it tends to affect tissues higher up in your throat and larynx (voicebox), beyond another muscle barrier called the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). As a result, you may not connect the symptoms you do have with a reflux problem, instead blaming them on allergies, dry air, or other issues — and that means appropriate treatment can be delayed.
One of the best ways to get the appropriate care is to recognize these symptoms of silent reflux:
Silent reflux can also increase your risk of upper respiratory infections and worsen existing asthma symptoms, which means it’s even more important to seek care as soon as possible.
Many people can manage silent reflux and avoid complications with a few simple lifestyle modifications.
For instance, avoiding meals within 2-3 hours of bedtime, limiting “trigger” foods, elevating your head while you sleep, and striving to maintain a healthy weight can all help minimize symptoms of silent reflux, as well as “regular” reflux.
When these options aren’t enough to calm your reflux episodes, we can prescribe medication to decrease stomach acid production or reduce irritation while your esophagus and throat heal.
Like “regular” acid reflux, silent reflux benefits from early intervention, not only to provide you with much-needed relief, but also to prevent permanent damage to your voicebox and throat.
Yes, your chronic sore throat could be caused by allergies or postnasal drip — but it could also be a sign of silent reflux or other serious issues that need prompt treatment to prevent complications later on.
If you’ve been dealing with a nagging sore throat or other symptoms, like a persistent cough, sour taste in your throat, or the need to clear your throat continually, it’s time for an evaluation.
To find out what’s causing your symptoms and how we can help, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at ENT Specialists in Salt Lake City, Murray, Magna, Draper, and Tooele, Utah, today.
