Stomach problems and sore throat

The cause of issues like sore throat and difficulty swallowing is often gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is the throwing (reflux) of gastric or gastrointestinal contents back into the esophagus and sometimes into the larynx. The epithelium of the larynx and pharynx is sensitive to gastric juice and causes discomfort in the throat.

Gastric reflux usually occurs after eating, when leaning forward, or while sleeping. Reflux can sometimes occur in a healthy person. However, if it occurs frequently it is most likely a chronic pathology, which is usually accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Pain behind the sternum, similar to angina pectoris — it may recur in the lower jaw, the left side of the chest, and the interscapular region
• Laryngitis, mucus in the throat, hoarseness of voice, difficulty swallowing
• Cough, shortness of breath, and bronchospasm — which is similar to asthma

Because of symptoms similar to other diseases, GERD is not always immediately diagnosed. For example, a cough causes suspicion of allergies, and with pain in the chest, the patient initially goes to a cardiologist. The real cause is increased acidity of the stomach and insufficiency of the lower esophageal sphincter. Diagnosis of GERD primarily involves an intragastric pH meter, which measures acidity directly in the gastrointestinal tract.

Blood samples are also taken for the following indicators (gastro panel):

• Ratio of pepsinogen I and pepsinogen II concentrations
• Gastrin-17
• Helicobacter pylori antibodies, IgG

This complex examination helps to detect hyperacidity and Helicobacter infection, which is a triggering factor for GERD. In addition, this complex diagnoses atrophic gastritis.

If GERD is detected, what comes next?

First of all, you need to change your lifestyle. This includes losing weight and limiting fatty foods, spicy foods, smoked foods, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and cigarettes. Your last meal of the day should be several hours before bedtime. If reflux symptoms of the disease occur when you are lying down, it is best to sleep with an elevated pillow.

After seeing the diagnostic results, the gastroenterologist will prescribe drug therapy, normalizing motility, and reducing gastric acidity. The duration of therapy and the dosage of medications depends on the severity of symptoms, presence of concomitant diseases, and age of the patient. The doctor will also recommend a diet to aid in the process.

Don’t ignore the unpleasant symptoms of gastrointestinal issues and hope that they will simply resolve themselves. A correct diagnosis and timely treatment is the key to successful recovery and more comfortable life.

09 November 2021