Dr. Tran Phuong Thanh, a specialist in Ear, Nose, and Throat at Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic, states that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) not only damages the esophagus but can also impact the throat and larynx. When stomach acid and pepsin reflux, the throat lining can become irritated and inflamed, leading to several ear, nose, and throat conditions.

Pharyngitis

When stomach contents, including acid and enzymes like pepsin, reflux into the esophagus and the pharyngeal-laryngeal area, they can contact and irritate the mucous membranes. This irritation often causes soreness, an itchy throat, and a sensation of a lump or phlegm in the throat. Patients frequently experience throat clearing, a persistent cough, or hoarseness.

Laryngitis

Frequent exposure of the throat and laryngeal lining to refluxed stomach acid leads to irritation, swelling, and inflammation in the larynx. Symptoms include hoarseness, a weak voice or vocal fatigue, and frequent throat clearing.

Chronic laryngitis can stem from various causes, such as continuous high-intensity speaking, shouting, smoking, infections, vocal cord damage, or more severe medical conditions. If unusual symptoms appear, patients should seek medical examination to identify the cause and receive prompt treatment.

Persistent throat pain, itchiness, or a feeling of a lump in the throat may be linked to acid reflux. *Photo by Duy Anh*.

Rhinosinusitis

When stomach acid frequently refluxes into the throat and nasal area, it can cause swelling of the nasal lining and block sinus openings. This condition hampers air and mucus flow, triggering recurrent rhinosinusitis symptoms. Gastroesophageal reflux disease and laryngopharyngeal reflux can also be factors that make chronic rhinosinusitis difficult to treat.

Vocal cord polyps

Vocal cord polyps are benign growths on the vocal cords, varying in size and potentially having a stalk or not. These polyps often alter the voice. This condition is commonly associated with individuals who speak frequently, loudly, and continuously. Reflux can also contribute to vocal cord damage as acid and other stomach contents irritate and inflame the mucous membranes.

Vocal cord granuloma

Vocal cord granuloma typically appears in the area behind the glottis, on one or both sides. While often linked to trauma from intubation, gastroesophageal reflux disease can also be a long-term irritant leading to granuloma formation. Common symptoms include soreness, a lump in the throat, a persistent cough, hoarseness, or recurrent pharyngitis.

Dr. Thanh advises patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease to adopt lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and reduce their impact on the ear, nose, and throat. If throat pain, nasal congestion, or rhinosinusitis are persistent or recur frequently, patients should consult a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Minh Duong