LPR silent reflux or Gerd

[gillsky8]

my story began at least 4 years ago basically ongoing throat clearing and the need to belch on and off throughout the day. Not much if any heartburn but feeling of blocked nose and constantly trying to clear mucus/phlegm from throat and back of nose . What have I tried ? Well decongestants Sudafed seemed to work ish … ? Then on to PPI’s . Seen 2 consultants both of which used camera in nose to check throat etc and no issues there. So would there be damage if it were reflux one or the other over time? Well one would have thought so. Is congestion and mucus associated with Reflux? Next tried on momeprazole by gp nasal spray am sure it aggravates it oh and also asthma inhaler ! Another useless effect if anything making it worse 😞

I just want rid of this persistent throat clearing issue . Ok so anyone out there please with similar issues?

if so did you get PPI treatment and what dosages. Can too much actually aggravate the problem?

sorry for all the details

Any help would be much appreciated 😊

[hjskev]

Hi I have been diagnosed as having silent reflux with pretty much the same symptoms as you except I also get a burning mouth. I have had it for years and have been prescribed various things that work initially and then stop. So I've kind of worked out my own way of dealing with it. I don't take any meds now except I take Gaviscon last thing at night and try to sleep with my head raised. If its bad I take Gaviscon after every meal. I can get a bit of relief chewing chewing gum which helps with dry mouth and throat and mucus. I avoid foods that set it off. In my case that's anything acidic but especially wine, although strangely prosecco is ok. I don't know about damage to the throat but I worry about my teeth, so my dentist has prescribed a high fluoride toothpaste.

Lots of sympathy because I know it can be depressing.

[Beanlover]

I sort of diagnosed myself. I started coughing, throat clearing, croaky voice etc. I had a short bout of heartburn, but then reverted to Silent Reflux.,I was already taking Pantoprazole having had a hiatus hernia diagnosed. GP suggested upping the dose of PPI. I don't think I get burning mouth, but started having choking and swallowing problems, with constant sore throat. I was referred to a Speech and Language therapist because of the choking. Didn't know they dealt with issues like that but she was really helpful in terms of advice on eating and swallowing issues. I also saw an ENT doctor who found part of my voice box wasn't working properly, and said she could see lots of acid in my throat. I also had a Barium Swallow which identified a problem with food slipping down my windpipe near my epiglottis, but also that the other side of my voice box was compensating for the damaged area.There can be a concern about acid eating away at your oesophagus, and also the risk of oesophagal cancer as a result of silent reflux. My GP always questions whether I have problems swallowing.

I take 1 Pantoprazole a day, and a swig of Gaviscon at bedtime. It seems to have calmed down now, though I am not very strict in having an antacid diet. Because I know what is causing most of my problems, I am less worried. I do get a streaming nose a lot.

Having investigations was helpful. The ENT doctor said that Gaviscon works much better on acid in the throat. PPIs reduce the acid production, Gaviscon forms a layer on top of it and stops it refluxing.

The thing that surprised me was that chocolate and peppermint are unhelpful as they relax the sphincter at the top of the stomach.

Sorry about the length of this.

I think if you have had investigations and they have not found anything concerning, then it's a matter of trying things and managing it, but if you haven't tried Gaviscon it's worth trying. I think you would need to go back to your GP if you have a major change in symptoms, or you have swallowing, or choking issues, which might mean damage to the oesophagus.