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TurkishThroat reflux, medically known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LFR), is a problem characterized by stomach acid reaching the throat through the esophagus. The symptoms of the disease are generally different from those observed in gastroesophageal reflux and may not present classic reflux symptoms. However, throat reflux is a difficult condition to diagnose and is therefore also known as "silent reflux". Treatment is generally based on lifestyle changes.
What is Throat Reflux?
With throat reflux, acid produced in the stomach moves up the esophagus and reaches the throat. This causes symptoms such as sore throat, damaged larynx, and coughing. Everyone is at risk of throat reflux, but the risk increases with age. People at risk of throat reflux can be listed as:
- People with poor and unhealthy eating habits
- Those who are overweight
- Those who are overly stressed
- Those who often wear tight clothing
What are the Symptoms of Throat Reflux?
The symptoms of throat reflux can be different depending on age. Common symptoms for infants and children are as follows:
- Chronic cough
- Asthma
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty feeding, spitting and breathing
- Inability to gain weight
- Noisy breathing or breathing apnea
Adults with throat reflux usually have additional symptoms such as a bitter taste or burning in the back of the throat. However, it often has no obvious symptoms and is often mistaken for other problems. The general symptoms are as follows:
- Persistent cough
- The need for frequent throat clearing
- Voice hoarseness
- Persistent lump formation in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nasal discharge
- Breathing problems
- Sore throat
What Causes Throat Reflux?
Under normal conditions, the food consumed passes through the throat after swallowing and descends into the esophagus and then into the stomach. A muscle called the esophageal sphincter, located at the bottom, prevents food entering the stomach from escaping back into the esophagus. This muscle stays closed except when eating and keeps the opening between the stomach and the esophagus under control. However, in some people, the muscle does not work properly and does not close completely.
As a result, the food consumed runs the risk of going back into the esophagus after going down into the stomach. This backward movement is called reflux.
In throat reflux, stomach acid can travel to the back of the throat, larynx and nose, causing localized inflammation. In infants, the fact that the esophagus and muscle structure are not fully developed and the body position is usually lying down increases the risk of throat reflux. The exact causes of throat reflux in adults are unknown.
How is Reflux Treated?
Throat reflux is more difficult to detect than classical reflux. However, medical history, physical examination and various tests are effective in understanding the problem. Especially endoscopy and pH monitoring are among the methods used to make a definitive diagnosis.
Treatment of throat reflux in infants;
- Feeding babies with small bites,
- Not lying down for at least 30 minutes after feeding,
- Using inhibitor drugs on doctor's recommendation,
- When other methods do not help, it is advisable to consider surgery.
Throat reflux in adults usually does not require intensive medical care. Basic lifestyle changes and healthy habits are recommended to improve the condition. These habits are listed as follows:
- Eating a low-fat, spice-free and light diet
- Eating frequently with small portions
- Being in the ideal weight range
- Eliminating alcohol and tobacco use, keeping caffeine use under control
- Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime
- Raising the pillow before sleep, supporting the upper body
- Following a low-acid diet
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding stress
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