Sore throat or hoarseness

  Sore throat or hoarseness
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A sore throat that doesn’t go away and isn’t accompanied by typical cold symptoms (like a runny nose) may in fact be a symptom of acid reflux. “Your throat feels sore because a little bit of acid is coming up from the oesophagus and irritating the throat,” says gastroenterologist, Dr Gina Sam. Unexplained hoarseness may be caused by stomach acid moving up to your larynx, or voice box, and tends to be more noticeable in the mornings when it’s had all night to travel while you were lying down.

Find out which foods to avoid if you have acid reflux or digestion issues.

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Persistent cough or wheezing

Persistent cough or wheezing
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“Wheezing or a cough that mimics asthma or bronchitis can be caused by acid reflux moving from the stomach to the lungs,” says Dr Evan Dellon. On the other hand, wheezers and coughers can sometimes make themselves more prone to reflux, says Dr Dellon, because the actions put pressure on the belly and push stomach acid upward.

You’re having dental problems

You’re having dental problems
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If you’re a dedicated brusher and flosser but your dentist is still filling cavities, tells you your tooth enamel is eroding, or notices discolouration, acid reflux may be to blame. “Even a small amount of acid reflux making its way up from the oesophagus to your throat or mouth while lying down can impact tooth enamel,” says Dr Dellon.

Don’t miss these signs you need to see a dentist right away.

Your ears ring

Your ears ring
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If your ears always ring, especially after a meal, it may be caused by reflux getting into the sinuses and even the interior of the ear, says Dr Sam. “A lot of patients see their ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor) to get consults about sinus pain and ear ringing, but it’s often acid reflux.”

Check out these silent signs your gut microbiome could be in trouble.

You have trouble swallowing

You have trouble swallowing
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Food getting stuck when you swallow, liquid that just won’t go down, or the sensation that something is stuck in your throat could all be acid reflux symptoms, says Dr Sam. Chronic reflux can irritate the throat, and scar tissue can develop in the oesophagus and narrow it. See your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing, as this can also be a symptom of other more serious conditions.

Here’s how to tell if your indigestion is actually GORD.

Nasal congestion

Nasal congestion

Nasal congestion that comes and goes may be one of the acid reflux symptoms you’re ignoring. “If you’ve tried cutting down on reflux-producing foods or eating late at night and the symptom doesn’t go away, it’s probably just congestion,” says Dr Sam. “But if it goes away and comes back, and then goes away again, it’s probably acid reflux.” If this or other symptoms continue to bother you, check in with your doctor. Your stomach will thank you.

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Source: RD.com

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