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Do you often complain of heartburn or pain after enjoying your evening meal? A nationwide study conducted by Cedar-Sinai states that 30% of US Adults experience acid reflux at least once a week. Acid reflux might happen after a large, rich meal, or when you lie down too soon after dinner. Stomach acid rises into your esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
While occasional reflux may be common, if you are experiencing significant episodes two or three times a day, it's not ordinary reflux and could indicate GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Patients experiencing more than occasional episodes of reflux may need to consult a specialist to check for more serious underlying conditions.
What is Acid Reflux?
During digestion, your stomach contents are supposed to travel down. When acid from inside your stomach flows backward into your esophagus and throat, it is called acid reflux. This acid irritates and inflames the tissues inside your esophagus, which runs from your stomach up through your chest to your throat.
While occasional acid reflux is uncomfortable, it is not a disease. However, some people experience reflux discomfort every day. Chronic acid reflux can affect your quality of life, and cause severe damage to your esophagus.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux and GERD May Include: (Source)
Backwash. You might notice acid, food, or liquids backwashing from your stomach into your throat after eating. This is also called regurgitation and will cause a sour taste of acid in the mouth.
A burning feeling. Acidic regurgitation burns the tissues in your esophagus. Sometimes the burning is felt in the chest and is called heartburn.
Noncardiac chest pain. Some people feel pain in their esophagus that feels more like chest pain than heartburn. Esophagus pain triggers the same nerves as heart-related pain, therefore, it can appear the same as cardiac chest pain.
Nausea. Acid overflow or backwash can cause nausea or loss of appetite.
Sore throat. If acid rises into your throat, it can make it sore. This may feel like a lump in the throat or feel difficult to swallow. Reflux into your throat often happens at night.
Asthma symptoms. GERD can trigger asthma-like symptoms, like chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. If acid particles get into your airways, it can make them contract.
How Can an ENT Doctor Help Acid Reflux?
1. Acid Reflux Can Show Up as a Sore Throat or Cough
As noted above, acid reflux may present itself as a sore throat or cough and cause trouble with swallowing or hoarseness. This form of acid reflux is referred to as “silent reflux” because one does not experience the usual symptoms.
An ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist can examine the throat for swelling and redness to determine if acid reflux is the cause of your throat irritation.
2. ENT Specialists Can Treat Complications Associated With GERD
ENT specialists can evaluate, diagnose, and treat symptoms associated with acid reflux. If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, have chest pains after eating, experience frequent nausea, or have trouble swallowing, make an appointment with an ENT specialist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis.
An ENT doctor can also treat complications associated with acid reflux, affecting the esophagus, throat, and lungs.
3. ENT Specialists Can Indicate if There’s a Larger Issue
Untreated GERD can alter your esophageal lining, which can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. If you leave persistent acid reflux untreated, other significant medical problems may occur, including ulcers, esophagitis, fluid in the sinuses and middle ear, and inflammation and infection of the lungs.
See an ENT specialist as soon as you notice frequent acid reflux symptoms to ensure there are no underlying significant issues. Early detection is key in preventing more serious complications.
If you feel that you are suffering more than a few times a week from any of the symptoms mentioned here, please see your primary care physician. They will be able to advise you based on your symptoms and refer you to the team at Topeka ENT for further care.
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