Acid from the stomach can regurgitate into the throat. This backflow of stomach acid, which irritates the voice box, is called reflux laryngitis. The valve between the esophagus, which is the food pipe, and the stomach protects reflux of acid. When this valve is weak, acid reflux occurs. The acid irritates the lining of esophagus, larynx and throat. The reflux can be triggered by coffee, alcohol, chocolates, fatty food and smoking. It can cause a chronic irritation of your voice box and a multitude of problems with your throat.
Hoarseness
There will be a problem with your voice. Voice is persistently hoarse, especially in the mornings. Most voice disorders are caused by reflux. As per NYU Voice Centre, acid reflux is present in about 50 percent of patients with voice problems.
Cough
The regurgitation of acid is more at nights and this results in a cough due to irritation of the nerves in your throat. This cough can be very disturbing and affects your sleep. The cough occurs more when lying down and is very frequent after you have had your last meal.
Sticky Sensation
You will feel like something is sticking in your throat. This sensation of a lump in the throat is called globus. This occurs due to swelling and mucus produced in the back of your throat.
Heartburn
Heartburn is the burning sensation felt in the chest. This occurs due to the stomach acid coming up in the throat. This burning pain in your chest just after eating, lying down or bending may indicate acid reflux. There may be a bitter or sour taste of acid in the mouth. You could have a bad breath in your mouth.
Mucus Drip
Increased mucus in the throat may be a complaint, according to UC SanDiego Medical Centre. Mucus dripping down the back of your throat or postnasal drip is a very common symptom. There will be excessive throat clearing to clear the excess mucus.
Swallowing Problem
You may find it difficult to swallow food, water or pills. Your throat may feel sore and raw due to the acid reflux. There may be a bad taste in the mouth.
Choking
If you choke and gasp and have a sudden difficulty in breathing in the night, you may have an acid reflux. This occurs due to spasm in the airways in an attempt to protect the air pipe from the acid.
