Got GERD?

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not fun, its sister Laryngo-esophageal reflux is even worse (LPR). Both conditions result in gastric contents escaping through the lower esophageal sphincter and travels back into and up through the esophagus. GERD is often more associated w/chest pain or heart burn and tends to travel up to the mid to upper esophagus. LPR is often considered “silent reflux” and symptoms can include chronic cough, throat clearing especially after mealtimes, or worst symptom scenario would be the development of aspiration pneumonia (PNA).

Certain conditions caused by comorbidities can also put you at an increased risk for developing GERD including Scleroderma, Myasthenia Gravis, Achalasia, Hiatal Hernias, Esophageal diverticulum, and more.

Through our laryngeal screening and voice evaluations, we could evaluate clinical signs associated w/reflux as indicated by the reflux finding score (RFS). Often ENT or GI are appropriate referrals, but often times this rarely gets managed or takes ages to get into see an ENT or GI. Consider discussing with your primary care doctor (PCP) about over the counter supplements including generic proton pump inhibitors (PPI) like Omeprazole acid reflux medication tablet which works to neutralize the PH of the stomach. Or for a more holistic option, Reflux Gourmet a natural alginate supplement could kick burrs with one stone. Not only does it balance the PH in the gastric body, but it also coats the esophagus and makes a gel-like protective barrier between the stomach contents to reduce physical pressure or escape of reflux back into esophagus or throat.