Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing persistent irritation and inflammation. Unlike occasional acid reflux, GERD is a long-term issue that can lead to more severe complications if left untreated, such as damage to the esophagus or even esophageal cancer.
Silent GERD: Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
Silent GERD, also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), doesn’t cause typical heartburn or indigestion symptoms. Instead, it affects the throat and voice box, leading to symptoms like chronic cough, hoarseness, sore throat, or a sensation of a lump in the throat.
Many people with silent GERD are unaware they have acid reflux because it doesn’t cause noticeable digestive discomfort. However, it can still cause damage to the esophagus and throat if left untreated.
GERD Symptoms
Heartburn & Regurgitation
One of the most common symptoms of GERD is frequent and severe heartburn, which typically occurs more than twice a week and usually worsens at night. This often happens simultaneously with the sensation of acid or food moving back into the throat or mouth, causing a sour taste or discomfort.
Difficulty Swallowing
Over time, GERD can cause scarring and narrowing of the esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing or the sensation of food being stuck in the throat.
Pain (especially when lying down)
GERD can also lead to:
- Chest pain, which can mimic heart attack symptoms and lead to unnecessary anxiety
- Throat pain or discomfort from acid reflux irritation
- Ear pain as acid reflux can travel up the back of the throat and into the ears
Nausea
When stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, it can irritate the lining and esophagus, leading to nausea. This is especially common in the morning.
Coughing (GERD cough)
GERD may also trigger a persistent cough, especially at night, and hoarseness due to acid irritation of the vocal cords.
Sore throat
When stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, it can irritate the lining of the throat.
GERD vs. Acid Reflux
While acid reflux and GERD share many symptoms, the key difference is frequency and severity. Acid reflux is an occasional backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing discomfort such as heartburn. GERD, on the other hand, is a chronic, more severe form of acid reflux that occurs frequently, typically more than twice a week. GERD can cause significant damage to the esophagus over time and requires ongoing management to prevent complications like esophagitis, ulcers in the esophagus, Barrett’s esophagus (a pre-cancerous condition of the esophagus), or esophageal cancer.
GERD Treatment in NYC
NYGA offers comprehensive care to help manage GERD and reduce its impact on daily life. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, such as improving diet and nutrition, maintaining a healthy weight, and elevating the head while sleeping. Medications, including proton pump inhibitors, histamine receptor blockers, and antacids, can help reduce acid production and heal the esophagus.
In severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent reflux. At NYGA, we provide personalized treatment plans to manage GERD and prevent long-term complications effectively.