While GERD typically results in the classically associated "heartburn" symptoms, not all patients with reflux will present with heartburn. When acid reflux from the stomach reaches all the way up the esophagus to the back of the throat, we term the process Laryngopharyngeal Reflux or LPR. LPR is commonly referred to as "silent reflux" because the majority of patients will not report classic heartburn symptoms. More common symptoms of LPR include a feeling of something stuck in the throat, mucous in the throat, need for frequent throat clearing, cough, and sometimes even hoarseness. LPR symptoms tend to primarily be an annoyance, but GERD can actually lead to cancer of the esophagus over time, so evaluation and treatment of any reflux symptoms is very important. For more information click on this podcast from WSRQ’s Health Check with Heidi Godman and Dr. J.P. Gniady
PODCAST - Acid Reflux with Dr. J.P. Gniady