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Silent Reflux: The Hidden Throat Irritation
20 Jan
Summary
- Frequent throat clearing may signal silent acid reflux.
- Acid reflux can irritate the throat and voice box without heartburn.
- Untreated reflux may lead to Barrett's esophagus and cancer risk.

Persistent throat clearing could be a sign of silent acid reflux, a condition where stomach contents flow upward to irritate the throat and voice box without the typical heartburn. This laryngopharyngeal reflux, as described by Dr. Sood, can cause repeated injury to the esophagus lining.
Over many years, this ongoing irritation may develop into Barrett's esophagus, a condition where cells in the esophagus change due to acid exposure. While Barrett's itself is not cancer, it significantly elevates the long-term risk of developing esophageal cancer.



