Feeling Unusual? It Might Be Reflux: Recognizing the Less Obvious Symptoms

Reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. People often think of heartburn or chest pain when they think of reflux, but that's not the only sign. Reflux can show up in less obvious or strange ways that you might not immediately connect to digestive problems. Some of these are a cough that won't go away, hoarseness, feeling like there's something in your throat, or even excessive burping. Even if these symptoms don't seem to have anything to do with your digestive system, it's important to be aware of them because figuring out and treating reflux early can make your life a lot better. No matter how strange your symptoms may seem, we're here to help you through this.

Nonstop Coughing

A cough that won't go away could be a sign of something more serious than just a cold or an allergic reaction. Coughing all the time can be a sign of reflux. It may not seem related, but stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus can cause irritation and inflammation that shows up as a cough that won't go away.

The persistent cough you experience as a symptom of reflux is essentially your body's response to the acid irritation in the esophagus. It's worth noting that this cough can occur at any time but is often worse during the night or early mornings, when you're lying down, as gravity isn't helping to keep the stomach acid down. This can result in disrupted sleep, making you feel tired during the day.

Furthermore, this cough can persist even when other symptoms, such as heartburn, are not present, making it a truly stealthy symptom of reflux. If left unmanaged, over time, this could potentially lead to more serious complications, such as damage to the esophagus. Therefore, if you have a lingering, unexplained cough, take it seriously. It could be your body's way of signaling a problem with reflux, and it's worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

Hoarseness

Have you noticed a change in your voice? Perhaps it's become rough, breathy, or scratchy? Or maybe you've lost your voice altogether? This could be more than just overuse or a temporary throat infection. Surprisingly, these voice changes, or hoarseness, can be linked to reflux. Stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus can sometimes reach the larynx, causing irritation and inflammation in the voice box, leading to hoarseness. This symptom is often more apparent in the morning and improves throughout the day. It's important not to dismiss these changes in your voice, especially if they are persistent and unexplained by other obvious causes, like vocal strain or a respiratory infection. As with other stealthy symptoms of reflux, recognizing and addressing this early can prevent potential complications, such as long-term damage to your vocal cords.

A Sensation of a Lump in the Throat

Do you ever feel like there is a lump in your throat, even though you don't have any difficulties swallowing? This sensation, medically known as the globus sensation, could be more than just a simple irritation or a sign of emotional distress. Astonishingly, this feeling can be a subtle symptom of reflux. When stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, it can cause inflammation and swelling, which might lead to this peculiar sensation. Although this symptom is often painless and doesn't cause any problems with swallowing, it can be persistently uncomfortable and affect your quality of life. If you're experiencing a globus sensation that doesn't improve or disappear over time, it's essential to communicate this to your healthcare provider. Just like with the other less obvious symptoms of reflux, early detection and management can help you maintain your well-being and avoid potential complications.

Excess Saliva

Excess saliva, also known as hypersalivation, can be a result of reflux. As a response to the irritation caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, your body may make more saliva to dissolve the acid. It's a defense mechanism meant to keep the stomach acid from doing too much damage. Some people can feel this extra saliva, which can make them drool, especially at night when they are sleeping. It's important to be aware of this possible sign of reflux, even if it doesn't seem to have anything to do with your stomach. As with other, less obvious symptoms, catching and treating them early can keep you healthy and comfortable in the long term.

Tooth Ache

Experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity? You might not suspect it, but this could be more than just a cavity or gum disease. Surprisingly, tooth pain is sometimes a less obvious sign of reflux. Acid from the stomach that flows back up into the esophagus can sometimes get into the mouth and hurt your teeth. The enamel on your teeth can start to wear away because of this acid. This can make your teeth more sensitive or hurt when you eat or drink things that are hot, cold, sweet, or acidic. If this isn't fixed, it can get worse over time and cause more serious dental problems. If you have pain or sensitivity in your teeth that won't go away and your dentist hasn't been able to figure out why, reflux could be the cause.

Burping

A sudden bout of burping that seems unrelated to your meals could be more than just a reaction to a fizzy drink or a hearty meal. Burping, or belching, could, surprisingly, also be a sign of reflux. When stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, it can sometimes trigger a burp. This happens as your body tries to expel the unwanted acid from the esophagus. What's more, the acid can stimulate gas production in the stomach, leading to increased burping. While occasional burping is completely normal, frequent or excessive burping that comes with discomfort or even pain could be a symptom of reflux.

Bad Breath and/or Bitter Taste

If you are struggling with persistent bad breath or experiencing an unusual, bitter taste in your mouth, these might be more than just signs of poor oral hygiene or a questionable meal. Both can be subtle symptoms of reflux. The stomach acid that flows back into the esophagus can sometimes reach your mouth, leaving a bitter taste or causing bad breath. This acid reflux can also lead to dry mouth, which further exacerbates bad breath as the lack of saliva allows bacteria to thrive. Though these symptoms might seem unrelated to your digestion, if they persist despite regular brushing, flossing, and use of mouthwash, it's worth contemplating reflux as a potential cause. As with all symptoms of reflux, early detection and treatment can prevent potential complications and improve your quality of life.

Constant Throat Clearing

Frequently clearing your throat, even when you don't have a cold or allergies could be a less conspicuous symptom of reflux. When the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, it may cause minor irritation or inflammation, leading to a sensation that prompts frequent throat clearing. As your body’s attempt to rid itself of the irritating acid, frequent throat clearing might seem like a minor annoyance, but when persistent, it can impact your overall comfort and well-being. If you find yourself constantly clearing your throat, especially after meals or when lying down, it's important to mention this symptom to your healthcare provider. It could be a subtle sign of reflux that needs addressing.

Visit The Heartburn Center at Broward Health Coral Springs

If you're experiencing any of the unusual symptoms of reflux mentioned above, it's important to seek professional help. The Heartburn Center at Broward Health Coral Springs is a specialized unit dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of reflux and other digestive disorders. The compassionate and welcoming team at the Heartburn Center is highly skilled in recognizing and treating the less obvious symptoms of reflux, ensuring that no symptom is overlooked. As the only hospital-based center in Broward County, our experts are well-versed in the latest advances in medical treatments as well as minimally invasive surgical techniques for managing reflux. You'll receive a thorough evaluation and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Furthermore, the Center's commitment to patient education means you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of your condition, empowering you to take charge of your health. At the Heartburn Center, you're not just a patient but a valued partner in your healthcare journey. Your comfort, well-being, and quality of life are our primary concerns. Let us help you manage these 'stealthy' symptoms and lead you down the path of improved health and wellness.