Laryngopharyngeal reflux refers to stomach acid that is getting into your throat in the back of your sinuses, which irritates the sinuses, causing them to create an excessive amount of mucus. Many patients realize this is a problem because they have ongoing active reflux.
More specifically, post-nasal drip causes mucus to accumulate at the back of your nose, which then drips down into your throat and creates a raw soreness. This extra mucus drains down into your stomach, which can cause nausea and vomiting in some patients.
When Acid reflux symptoms occur, they can sometimes actually contribute to sinusitis! That is to say, the acid can travel all the way up to your nose and sinuses (for instance, while you are lying down asleep), and this acid can inflame the nose and irritate the lining.
Interestingly, we identified the presence of nasal symptoms in patients with IBS: a significant association between IBS and nasal obstruction, between IBS and rhinorrhea, and between IBS and hyperemic and/or hypertrophic turbinates was observed.
While we may think of food allergies as being an anaphylactic reaction to nuts or strawberries, food allergies – or more appropriately food intolerances – can also affect your sinuses. One of the major dietary contributors of congestion and nasal inflammation is dairy.
Dysbiosis of the digestive tract often leads to dysbiosis of the sinus and ear cavity and causes inflammation of the mucous membrane, which in turn results in the blockage of the drainage ducts, fluid retention in the sinus and ear cavities, and bacterial infection later on.
Food to Avoid
Avoid dairy if you have had previous episodes of sinus infections. Also, try to avoid refined sugar as it is pro-inflammatory and increases the production of mucus. Other foods to avoid include tomatoes (contain histamines), chocolate, cheese, gluten, and fruits like bananas, which can cause congestion.
But there are ear, nose, and throat problems that are caused by reflux reaching beyond the esophagus, such as hoarseness, laryngeal nodules in singers, croup, airway stenosis (narrowing), swallowing difficulties, throat pain, and sinus infections.
Celiac disease has also been linked to nasal septal perforation.
Other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux can include sore throat, hoarseness, excess salivation, the sensation of a lump in the throat (globus), sinusitis, frequent throat clearing, cough, wheezing or asthma.
Yes, acid reflux can affect the ears. When the stomach's acidic contents back up into the esophagus, they can affect the larynx and make the middle ear more susceptible to damage and infection. This may result in problems such as eustachian tube dysfunction, hearing loss, and impaired clearance of middle ear contents.
However, if you experience postnasal drip without producing mucus when you cough or blow your nose, that drip you feel may be a symptom of laryngopharyngeal reflux — or “silent” acid reflux. When you have a cold, flu or even allergies, your body produces excess mucus or mucus that is thicker than usual.
The reflux of acid in to the esophagus can cause other symptoms such as congestion in the throat as well as a constant need to clear the throat. These symptoms can also be prevalent in those who suffer from sinus infections or chronic sinusitis.
Experts in Bowel Care
Loose hairs can work their way through tiny openings in the skin called pits; the hairs can accumulate and often get infected leading to pain and swelling. If an abscess develops it can track away from the pit and lead to a larger opening nearby - this is called a sinus.
Silent reflux is a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and irritates the throat. It can damage throat tissues and lead to heartburn. It does not always cause heartburn, but it can cause damage to the throat and vocal cords. The condition is also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
Swallowing problems or acid reflux can give patients similar symptoms of nasal/throat drainage or phlegm. A correct diagnosis of the underlying problem is essential to properly treat a patient with post-nasal drip.
Silent reflux, also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), is a condition in which stomach acid flows back up the esophagus (swallowing tube) into the larynx (voice box) and throat. LPR is called silent reflux because it often does not cause any symptoms in the chest.
Yogurt might be great for your gut, but not if you have sinus. The problem with this combination is that it increases the production of phlegm, which leads to more congestion. Even if you want to include this in your diet, avoid consuming at night.
Examples of fluids to drink when a person has a sinus infection include: plain water. hot water with lemon, honey, or ginger. herbal teas.
Consuming excessive dairy products can lead to excess production of mucus in the sinuses, further aggravating your sinusitis. Chocolate, eggs, and flour products also encourage excessive mucus production. When you have sinusitis, eat these foods instead.