Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease is a condition that arises when stomach acid flows backwards through the esophagus and into the throat. The symptoms of this disease mimic those experienced by patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Patients who develop laryngopharyngeal reflux disease symptoms should seek further evaluation and care from a physician.
Hoarseness
When stomach acid rises into the throat, this caustic substance can irritate a patient's voice box. As a result, patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease can develop hoarseness as a symptom of this condition, explain medical experts with the Weill Cornell Medical Center. Affected patients notice that their speaking voice sounds abnormally raspy or that it is difficult for them to speak at a normal volume. Symptoms of hoarseness can persist for several weeks or months and may increase in severity if appropriate treatment for this condition is not received.
Sore Throat or Difficulty Swallowing
Inflammation along the throat due to stomach acid irritation can cause sore throat symptoms in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. Affected patients can also feel as though something is stuck within the throat, report health professionals with the Texas Voice Center. Throat irritation can lead to narrowing of the throat, which can cause patients to experience difficulty swallowing normally. As a result, certain patients can experience a decreased appetite.
Throat Clearing or Cough
Frequent throat clearing can arise as a symptom of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in affected patients, explain medical professionals with the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at Columbia University. Acid from the stomach that rises into the throat can irritate the sensitive tissue that lines the throat. When this occurs, affected patients may develop chronic cough symptoms that persist for several months.
Excess Throat Mucus
Patients with this disease can develop excess amounts of mucus within the throat—a symptom referred to as post-nasal drip. Throat mucus can be thick and uncomfortable and may exacerbate cough or throat-clearing symptoms in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.
Heartburn
Less than 30 percent of patients who have laryngopharyngeal reflux disease develop heartburn as a symptom of this condition, according to the Lahey Clinic. Heartburn is a symptom characterized by an uncomfortable burning sensation within the chest. Patients with heartburn may also experience stomach upset, nausea or loss of appetite.
Bitter Taste
Acid from the stomach that reaches the mouth can cause patients to experience an unpleasant, bitter taste within the mouth, warns the Texas Voice Center. This symptom of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease can be most apparent in the morning and may contribute to stomach upset or decreased appetite in certain patients.
References
- Columbia University Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery: Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease and Recommendations to Prevent Acid Reflux
- Weill Cornell Medical Center: Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
- University of California Davis Center for Voice and Swallowing: Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
- Lahey Clinic: Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
- Texas Voice Center: Disorders of the Voice - Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease and Recommendations to Prevent Acid Reflux
