10 surprising symptoms of acid reflux
When your mind turns to the topic of acid reflux, the first thing you probably think about is that terrible feeling in your chest known as heartburn. But that’s just one of the uncomfortable symptoms caused by this condition.
Research from the American Gastroenterological Association has uncovered a range of additional symptoms commonly attributed to other conditions, which suggests many people are suffering from acid reflux without realising.
Dr Jamie Koufman, founder of The Voice Institute of New York and author of Dr Koufman's Acid Reflux Diet, says acid reflux can also manifest itself into more harmful conditions.
Dr Koufman said, "We believe that lung cancer, throat cancer and esophageal cancer are all caused by reflux When people have reflux, particularly at night, it sits in a polyp and leaks into the nose, throat and sinuses.
“The mucus membranes not only get swollen and irritated, but they put out more mucus. We're talking bad lungs, bad sinuses, bad throats and bad voices — that's a lot of stuff."
Here are 10 surprising acid reflux symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Vocal fatigue
- Chronic throat clearing
- Excessive throat mucus
- Postnasal drip
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nasal congestion
- Noisy breathing
- Snoring
- Choking episodes
If you’re experiencing these symptoms you may be suffering from acid reflux, but Dr Koufman says it is reversible by moderating your diet and staying upright.