Answer:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach contents, including acid, pepsin, and sometimes bile, flow back up into the esophagus. This happens because the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly or relaxes abnormally.

When reflux reaches higher into the throat, it irritates the area, leading to swelling and damage to the pharyngeal lining. Symptoms include a sensation of a lump in the throat, feeling like a foreign object is stuck, a dull burning sensation in the throat, throat clearing, a dry cough, hoarseness, and a bitter taste in the mouth. These symptoms often worsen after eating, when lying down, or in the morning, and may be accompanied by sour regurgitation and heartburn.

Reflux-induced pharyngitis differs from common pharyngitis in both its cause and progression. Common pharyngitis is primarily caused by viruses, and sometimes bacteria, typically presenting with acute onset, fever, fatigue, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, and pain when swallowing. This condition usually improves after approximately 5-10 days.

Doctor Xuan Nguyen performing a throat endoscopy on a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh District 7 Polyclinic

In contrast, reflux-induced pharyngitis is more persistent and frequently recurring, often without fever or body aches. Its symptoms are typically linked to meals and sleeping posture. Treatments like antibiotics, throat sprays, or lozenges are often ineffective or provide only temporary relief for reflux-induced pharyngitis.

Effective treatment for reflux-induced pharyngitis requires addressing the root cause of the reflux. Patients usually receive a combination of prescribed medication and lifestyle modifications. These include eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding overeating, not lying down or sitting immediately after meals, and limiting fried, spicy, sour foods, as well as alcohol.

To diagnose reflux-induced pharyngitis, a doctor may perform an ear, nose, and throat endoscopy. Depending on the specific case, patients might also undergo an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), esophageal pH monitoring, or esophageal impedance monitoring.

You should adhere to your doctor's treatment plan and attend follow-up appointments as scheduled. This condition requires continuous treatment and does not resolve quickly in a few days like common pharyngitis. Patients should not arbitrarily stop medication even if symptoms improve.

If you experience persistent hoarseness that does not improve, increasing difficulty or pain when swallowing, a choking sensation, coughing or vomiting blood, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention earlier than your scheduled appointment.

Doctor Tran Xuan Nguyen, Level I Specialist

Otolaryngology Specialist

Tam Anh District 7 Polyclinic