‘Silent reflux’ is advancing insidiously! Attention those who drink too much tea and coffee! ‘Neither patients nor physicians think about it’

21.11.2023 – 09:11

If your voice sounds hoarse and you can’t stop clearing your throat, you may have laryngopharyngeal reflux (LFR), an often overlooked form of acid reflux. This disease, which is seen in three or four out of every 10 people who apply to ear, nose and throat specialists, is also called ‘silent reflux’ because it progresses insidiously. So why does throat reflux occur? Which foods should be consumed? Which ones to stay away from? We put it under the spotlight with experts…

Stomach disorders are very common these days. Gastric reflux is one of the most common ones. Two or three in every 20 people struggle to cope with stomach reflux. But did you know that reflux, which is defined as “the acid in the stomach escaping into the esophagus”, can also occur in the throat?

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LFR) or as it is commonly known ‘throat reflux’ This situation, called ‘esophageal sphincter’ It occurs as a result of insufficiency or weakness of the muscle called. It may become evident sometimes after eating and sometimes before falling asleep.

One of the world’s leading healthcare organizations, based in the USA According to the Cleveland Clinic, three or four in 10 people who see ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists have throat reflux. Although the disease is so common, it is not well known in society.

According to data released by Cleveland Clinic, 60 million Americans suffer from chronic acid reflux. It is estimated that at least half of this number has throat reflux.

However, it can be difficult to diagnose this reflux in some cases, as the symptoms can mimic other diseases. Therefore the disease ‘silent reflux’ It is also called.

So, what causes silently progressing throat reflux? What is the incidence of the disease in our country? We sought answers to many questions like this with experts.

‘IT IS SEEN IN 30-35 PERCENT OF THE SOCIETY’

I consulted Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. for his information on the subject. Dr. Salih Bull, “LFR is a common disease seen in approximately 30-35 percent of our society, causing hoarseness, a feeling of irritation in the throat and the need to clear the throat. In fact, the most commonly known reflux in society is gastroesphageal reflux. This means that the acid in the stomach escapes into the esophagus, known as the esophagus, without vomiting or straining. It happens mostly at night because we are in a horizontal position. LFR, or laryngopharyngeal reflux, occurs when the stomach contents leak into the esophagus. But it can go up and reach the larynx and pharynx.” said.

TURKEY BECOMING THE OBESITY CHAMPION IN EUROPE INCREASES THE FREQUENCY OF THIS DISEASE

“Considering that Turkey is the obesity champion in Europe, we can understand why LFR has increased so much,” said Prof. Dr. Salih Bull, “Every week, several patients are referred to the gastroenterology outpatient clinic by ear, nose and throat specialists with hoarseness, persistent cough and unexplained pain in the throat. Especially those who work with their voices are more sensitive about these issues.” he said.

‘NEITHER PATIENTS NOR DOCTORS MIND THAT THE CAUSE OF THROAT PAIN IS REFLUX’

Underlining that the silence of LFR is due to the lack of diagnosis, Prof. Dr. Salih Bull, “It does not occur to most patients or physicians that reflux may be the cause of hoarseness, sore throat or cough. “Even though many preliminary diagnoses have been considered and different treatments have been received over the years, when these complaints of the patients do not improve, pharyngeal and laryngeal reflux comes to mind in the late stages.” said.

BEWARE OF THESE SYMPTOMS!

Prof. also shared information about the symptoms of the disease. Dr. Salih Bull, “Throat reflux should be suspected in cases such as feeling a burning sensation behind or under the two breastbones, popularly known as the ‘board of faith’, feeling stomach acid rising into the throat, long-term hoarseness, and sore throat.” he said.

THOSE WHO DRINK TOO MUCH TEA AND COFFEE MAY HAVE THROAT REFLUX!

“Reflux is not a condition that improves by avoiding certain foods, it is a completely mechanical condition,” said Prof. Dr. Salih Bull, “However, I can say that foods such as concentrated foods, orange juice, tomato paste, fried foods, chocolate, alcohol, mint and sesame increase reflux.” he said.

Ear Nose and Throat Diseases Specialist Op. Dr. Mustafa Bilazer warned, “Nuts, mint, baking soda, too much acidic drinks such as tea, coffee, cola and soda should be avoided.”

Kiss. Dr. Bilazer, “Plenty of water, fiber-rich foods, apples, bananas, broccoli, carrots, beans, St. John’s wort oil, chamomile tea and cheese should be consumed.” he said.

WHAT PROBLEMS CAN LPR CAUSE IF UNtreated?

Op. Dr. Mustafa Bilazer, “Asthma exacerbations, microaspirations (acid and stomach contents escape into the respiratory tract) and aspiration pneumonia (pneumonia due to aspiration) are the first things that come to mind.” said.

Kiss. Dr. Mustafa Bilazer listed other diseases that may occur as follows:

“Bronchiectasis (permanent enlargement of the bronchi), respiratory arrest during sleep, chronic cough, chronic laryngitis (excessive exposure of the vocal cords to irritating substances), laryngeal cancer, otitis media, chronic sinusitis, ulcers and aphthous ulcers in the mouth.”

Photos: iStock