Reflux Resources

Laryngitis and GERD

Posted: Jul 27 in Reflux Resources tagged by admin

In addition to dealing with the pain and discomfort of heartburn, people who suffer from GERD may develop laryngitis as a result of their frequent acid reflux.

Acid reflux, or stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus from the stomach, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve between the esophagus and stomach, isn’t able to keep digestive juices in the stomach. This may happen because the valve itself is weakened or because there is additional pressure on the stomach, possibly due to obesity or a hiatal hernia. If the stomach acid flows all the way into the larynx, it can cause reflux laryngitis.

The most common symptoms of reflux laryngitis are heartburn and hoarseness, but you may also experience difficulty breathing or a feeling of having something stuck in your throat. If these symptoms are present, your doctor may prescribe treatment for the underlying GERD before doing additional testing.

Treatment options for GERD include:

  • Lifestyle changes: Eating smaller meals, losing weight, quitting smoking, or avoiding foods that trigger heartburn can help ease symptoms of GERD.
  • Medication: Medicinal options include over-the-counter antacids, proton pump inhibitors and H2-blockers.
  • Surgery: A fundoplication procedure can strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter.

If you experience frequent symptoms of GERD, you should contact your doctor. In addition to increasing your risk for reflux laryngitis, GERD can also increase your risk for certain types of cancer if left untreated.

Chronic Cough May Be Caused By GERD

Posted: Jul 20 in Reflux Resources by admin

Have you been coughing for 3 weeks or more, and aren’t sure why? If you don’t have a chronic respiratory disease or other symptoms of illness, your chronic cough may be the result of GERD. People with GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, suffer from frequent acid reflux and can experience many other health complications, including seemingly unexplained coughing.

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Chest Pain May Be Caused By Digestive Problems

Posted: Jul 10 in Reflux Resources by admin

Having pain in your chest can be very scary, but it may not signal a heart attack or other cardiac problems. In fact, chest pain can be caused by a number of different digestive issues.

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Do some medications make GERD symptoms worse?

Posted: Jul 05 in Reflux Resources by admin

Although most people will experience heartburn or acid reflux at least once in their lives, people who suffer from GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, typically experience heartburn at least twice per week. If you suffer from GERD, you should be aware that there are certain medications and dietary supplements that might make your symptoms worse.

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Daily Habits To Prevent Heartburn

Posted: Jun 30 in Reflux Resources by admin

Millions of Americans suffer from heartburn, but much of the pain and discomfort of acid reflux can be avoided with simple lifestyle changes. Follow these daily habits to reduce the frequency and severity of your heartburn.

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