A CLOSER LOOK

Do You Have Reflux?

Reflux happens when stomach acid moves upward instead of staying where it belongs. This acid can reach the throat, voice, and airway, causing irritation and discomfort. Many people experience reflux without feeling classic heartburn, which makes it easy to miss.

If symptoms keep coming back, reflux may be the cause.

Everyone Refluxes

Your stomach is built to handle strong acid.
Your throat and voice are not.

When acid reflux occurs, sensitive tissues become irritated. Over time, this irritation can affect how you speak, swallow, breathe, and sleep.

Reflux can happen during the day or while lying down at night.

There is more than one type of reflux.

GERD AND LPR

Types of Reflux

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux) is the most common form of acid reflux.It often causes heartburn, chest discomfort, sour taste, or stomach pain after eating.

LPR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux) reflux affects the throat and voice rather than the chest.Many people with LPR do not feel heartburn at all.Instead, symptoms appear higher up in the throat and airway, which makes LPR harder to recognize. Common manifestations of LPR may include:

  • Throat discomfort or pain
  • Excessive throat clearing
  • Excessive throat mucus
  • The sensation of a lump in the throat (also known as globus)
  • Coughing, especially at night
  • Hoarseness
  • Heartburn or indigestion

What Causes Reflux?

Reflux usually starts when the muscle that keeps food in the stomach does not close properly.

Common triggers include:

  • Large meals
  • Eating late at night
  • Lying down to soon after eating
  • Certain foods or drinks
  • Stress
  • Pressure on the stomach
  • When the barrier weakens, acid can move upwards and cause symptoms

With repeated reflux, acid and enzymes can irritate areas that are not protected, which can lead to throat inflammation, voice strain, chronic coughing, breathing discomfort, trouble swallowing, poor sleep.

Because damage build slowly, many people live with symptoms for years before connecting them to reflux.

Do You Have Reflux?

With repeated reflux, acid and enzymes can irritate areas that are not protected. This can lead to:

  • Throat inflammation
  • Voice strain
  • Chronic coughing
  • Breathing discomfort
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Poor sleep

Because damage builds slowly, many people live with symptoms for years before connecting them to reflux.

Learn Your RSI Score

The Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) is a simple 10 item questionnaire that is used to help in the diagnosis of reflux.

An RSI score of more than 8 suggests that you may be suffering from reflux, either GERD or LPR.

If reflux is affecting your daily life, you should speak with your physician!

REFLUX SYMPTOM INDEX (RSI)

Within the last week, how did the following problems affect you? 0 = NO PROBLEM
5 = SEVERE PROBLEM
Hoarseness or problem with voice 0 1 2 3 4 5
Clearing your throat 0 1 2 3 4 5
Excess throat mucus or post nasal drip 0 1 2 3 4 5
Difficulty swallowing food, liquids, or pills 0 1 2 3 4 5
Coughing after you ate or after lying down 0 1 2 3 4 5
Breathing difficulties or choking episodes 0 1 2 3 4 5
Troublesome or annoying cough 0 1 2 3 4 5
Sensations of something sticking in your throat or a lump in your throat 0 1 2 3 4 5
Heartburn, chest pain, indigestion, or stomach acid coming up 0 1 2 3 4 5
CONSISTENCY MATTERS

Managing
Reflux Symptoms

Reflux management focuses on reducing irritation and preventing acid from rising. This often includes:

  • Supporting healthy digestion
  • Reducing common reflux triggers
  • Protecting the throat from acid exposure
  • Building habits that limit reflux episodes

Small daily changes can make a big difference over time. Consistency matters.

WHEN TO SEEK HELP

Ignoring Reflux Can Be A Problem

Ignoring reflux can allow symptoms to worsen. Over time, reflux may lead to:

  • Ongoing throat irritation
  • Voice damage
  • Breathing issues
  • Disrupted sleep
  • Increased throat sensitivity

You should consider professional guidance if:

  • Symptoms last more than a few weeks
  • Swallowing becomes difficult
  • Breathing feels restricted
  • Sleep is affected
  • Reflux keeps returning

Early support helps protect your throat and overall comfort. Understanding the cause makes reflux easier to manage.

DAILY SUPPORT FOR REFLUX RELIEF

Reflux Gourmet

Managing reflux often requires more than one approach. Reflux Gourmet products are designed to help protect the throat and support comfort for people dealing with acid reflux and LPR. They work alongside lifestyle changes and professional care to help reduce irritation and support ongoing relief. For many people, adding targeted reflux support helps them feel more comfortable day to day.

Explore Reflux Gourmet products to find options made with reflux sufferers in mind.

Mint Chocolate RescueVanilla Caramel RescueSingle Serve MultipackReflux Gourmet Pillow
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References

Still curious? Check out these references for even more details.

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  16. Vardar R, Keskin M, Valitova E, Bayrakci B, Yildirim E, Bor S. Effect of alginate in patients with GERD hiatal hernia matters. Dis Esophagus 2017; 30:1-7. 

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