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Stomach Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal & Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Reflux of stomach acid into the throat can cause a range of symptoms in the esophagus and throat. Swallowing problems, a different body sensation, throat pain or hoarseness are all common symptoms of gastric acid irritation of the throat, known as laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD). Since nearly half of all patients that suffer from LPRD have no heartburn symptoms that accompany gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), LPRD is tough to diagnose.

The reflux of gastric acid into the throat can happen at any time. If LPRD happens at night, this is even harder to diagnose since there are no specific symptoms at the time of the reflux. Typically patients will have throat irritation, hoarseness and discomfort in the throat without knowing the cause. An examination of the throat is necessary to determine if stomach acid is the cause of irritation in the voice box and throat.

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