Excess Weight and Stress Trigger Throat Reflux

Prof. from the Department of Gastroenterology at Medipol Sefaköy University Hospital. Dr. Murat Sarıkaya made statements about laryngopharyngeal reflux, also known as throat reflux.

Prof. from the Department of Gastroenterology at Medipol Sefaköy University Hospital. Dr. Murat Sarıkaya, “Throat reflux, also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux, is the condition where the acids and enzymes produced in the stomach reach the throat by passing the esophagus. The muscular structure at the lower end of the esophagus controls the passage between the esophagus and the stomach and forms one of the mechanisms that prevent reflux. If the muscle structure called sphincter does not close, reflux occurs. "Overweight and extremely stressed people are more prone to throat reflux," he said.

Expressing that eating habits trigger reflux, Prof. Dr. Murat Sarıkaya, “Chocolate and mint foods prepare the ground for throat reflux. Sore throat, hoarseness, feeling of a lump in the throat, the need to clear the throat and chronic cough are seen as the main symptoms of throat reflux.

Mentioning the difference between throat reflux and stomach reflux, Sarıkaya said, “People with throat reflux do not have the classic symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux such as burning behind the chest. Symptoms such as sore throat, hoarseness, feeling of a lump in the throat, the need to clear the throat and chronic cough occur in patients with throat reflux. Also, a swollen and red larynx can be detected on throat examination,” he added.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Do Not Prefer Tight Clothes

Reminding that avoiding food 2-3 hours before going to bed and raising the head of the bed while lying down may be beneficial in preventing reflux, Sarıkaya said, “Symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux are initially treated with a combination of diet and lifestyle changes. Caffeine-containing coffee, tea and carbonated drinks, alcohol, chocolate, and foods and beverages containing mint weaken the protective esophageal sphincter. Acidic and spicy foods aggravate reflux at the level of the larynx. In addition, these foods can cause irritation and inflammation directly in the throat area. People with symptoms should turn to non-acidic alternative products. Fizzy drinks cause burping. This can cause stomach acid and enzymes to reach the throat and cause irritation. Smoking, exercising after meals and wearing tight clothing should be avoided.

Do not be late for treatment if you have hoarseness

Stating that patients with throat reflux, especially with a burning sensation in the esophagus, are treated with acid-suppressing drugs, Sarıkaya concluded his words as follows:

“These drugs used in the treatment of throat reflux are initially taken for 6 to 8 weeks under the supervision of a physician. The physician should decide on the continuation of this treatment and the duration of its discontinuation. Otherwise, laryngeal edema may not improve and more acid production may be observed. People with significant hoarseness, painful swallowing, a neck mass, and those over 50 years of age should be evaluated with endoscopy and throat examination.”