Understanding the Link Between Acid Reflux and ENT Disorders

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is the term used for stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. Anyone who has experienced acid reflux knows how uncomfortable it can be. To start with you may feel burning sensations and a bitter taste. Your voice may become strained and your throat sore. It can also cause chest discomfort, and potentially cause your breathing to become shallower.

Acid reflux is often addressed with lifestyle modifications such as eating less fatty, spicy or acidic foods, keeping a healthy weight and limiting alcohol consumption. In some cases, surgical intervention may be suggested. Primarily, acid reflux is considered a digestive issue. However, it may also be linked to certain ear, nose and throat conditions. In this post, we aim to determine the link between acid reflux and said conditions, and why a multi-pronged approach to your treatment is so important. An ear, nose and throat (ENT) will be able to diagnose and treat these conditions.

The Link Between Acid Reflux and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Eustachian tubes are responsible for balancing pressure between the middle ear and the exterior environment. As acid reflux causes inflammation along the throat, this can affect the reliable function of said tubes. This can cause tinnitus or hearing loss. In some cases, it might even cause pressure in the ears too. As such, ENT doctors will consider all causes before trying to find the correct treatment pathway.

The Link Between Acid Reflux and Chronic Rhinosinusitis

It’s not just your eustachian tubes that can be affected by inflammation caused by acid reflux. Chronic rhinosinusitis is often irritated by your stomach acid flowing up into your sinus lining, which is particularly severe reflux cases can become a common occurrence. This can lead to nasal congestion, pain affecting your face and even stress headaches. As such, acid reflux can cause a chain between many different conditions because of the inflammation you may be experiencing.

The Link Between Acid Reflux and Dental Erosion

Stomach acid can corrode the functioning of other health environments. Your dental health is often affected first and foremost because stomach acid can erode the protective enamel used to keep your teeth in good condition. This can potentially cause discoloration in your teeth and increase the chance of experiencing cavities and other dental issues. ENT doctors and dental experts are trained in recognizing the telltale signs of stomach acid erosion, which is why they’ll take such care to identify acid reflux issues or may ask you about this issue during your checkup.

The Link Between Acid Reflux and Chronic Coughing

Unfortunately, this can be an issue even without the presence of a virus, as the backflow of your stomach acid can often irritate your throat and cause a cough reflex. Like with COVID-19, often these coughs can be unproductive, in that they don’t result in phlegm, but they’re not dry like when experiencing a respiratory condition. In particular cases of acid reflux, coughing up stomach acid can be harmful to your respiratory system and dental environment. If you are experiencing this contact your ENT doctor as soon as possible they will be able to form a treatment plan for your symptoms.

What Can Be Done?

ENT doctors are not only trained in everything affecting the ears, nose and throat, but they are trained in all adjacent diseases and stresses that could contribute to a condition you may experience. After all, the ears, nose and throat are not isolated systems, they are integral to health and highly sensitive to changes in your body’s wellbeing.

If you believe your ENT issues could be acid-reflux related, you may very well be right. It’s always best to communicate your concerns to your ENT doctor, describing the severity and frequency of your acid reflux and if that may have predicated any other symptoms you’ve been experiencing as of late. Your ENT doctor will be able to get to the heart of the issue and find a resolution.

Contact Mountain Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today!

Our industry-leading experts are thoroughly experienced in all manner of conditions related to the ear, nose and throat and beyond. We believe that the best way to health is through careful consultations. If you’ve been experiencing acid reflux and you suspect it’s been causing wider issues, an ENT will be there for you in treating your condition. Please, contact our friendly team today at Sylva: 828-586-7474, Franklin: 828-524-5599, Murphy: 828-835-1014 and New Asheville: 828-458-8100. We look forward to speaking with you!