Are you the one exasperated with itchy throat, cough, irritation and hoarse voice despite not suffering from cold or fever? Are you also often feeling embarrassed for clearing the excess of mucus in your throat? Many of us feel annoyed about such irritating problems, and usually take allergy medications, antibiotics and even decongestants for the cure. But such problems are not actually caused by some allergies or viral infections. Rather, these are caused by the Acid Reflux or Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or Atypical Reflux and therefore require proper treatment procedure for the total cure to come out of such irritating condition.
As Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is responsible for affecting esophagus, on the other hand, Acid Reflux or LPR is responsible for affecting larynx and pharynx—which is primarily the voice production system that also includes the throat.
Causes of Acid Reflux or LPR
Laryngo-pharyngeal Reflux (LPR) is caused by reflux of bile or acid. Gastric Acid causes enormous inflammation when it drops on the vocal cords. If it occurs repeatedly, then the number of irking problems emerges in a person with the symptoms like Hoarseness, Coughing, Throat Infections, excess mucus, frequent throat clearing, and the feeling of as if something has adhered to throat besides the difficulty in swallowing amongst other symptoms. If these symptoms persist for more than 10-14 days, then one should seek medical attention from an experienced ENT Professional.
Various Throat Problems Due to Acid Reflux
Sore Throat
Sore throat is the most common throat problem which is commonly found in the adults as well as in children. It is accompanied by a dry, painful, scratchy and annoying feeling in one’s throat. It has been visualized that Acid Reflux is one of the major causes of Sore Throat infection. It results from acid regurgitation when contents from the stomach reach throat due to improper functioning of the Sphincter which normally inhibits their entry into the throat.
Hoarseness or Laryngitis
Inflammation in the Vocal Cords results into hoarseness, and which is often termed as Laryngitis. Acid Reflux can be considered as the most common reason for this. It is featured by the reflux of stomach acid into the food pipe and also throat. The acid deposit on the vocal cords or prolonged exposure to acid causes inflammation in the vocal cords, causing hoarse or whispering voice.
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Excess Throat Mucus
A sensation of the Post-nasal drip or excessive mucus in throat occurs due to Acid-reflux which leads to acid deposit at the back of the throat. Excess of Mucus causes irritation and frequent clearing of the throat which eventually leads to various bacterial and viral infections due to the mucus deposits in the throat. This also results in bad odour. When such condition arrives, it becomes an unbearable condition for a sufferer. That is why doctors always advice for early diagnosis to avoid it turning severe and painful.
An expert ENT specialist would suggest you the best treatment options and also how to follow the preventive measures to get rid of Acid Reflux related Throat infections. Start with quitting smoking, losing weight, regular exercising; and avoid lying down after meals. They are some of the best suggested preventive measures that can bring ample relief. PPI-Proton Pump Inhibitors are also useful in suppressing stomach acid, thus relieving acid reflux. Vocal Hygiene is the most important one. Further, severe throat infections necessitate surgeries and medications recommended by the ENT professionals for total cure.
If you too are facing such throat problems due to Acid Reflux, then fix your appointment with Dr. Muddazir –an experienced and renowned ENT professional doctor in dubai and get yourself diagnosed as soon as possible. It is high time you avail expert opinion.