Acid Reflux: Why Your Heartburn Might Need an ENT Specialist

We all experience heartburn from time to time—after a big meal, a spicy dish, or even a late-night snack. But when acid reflux becomes a daily struggle, it can do more than just cause discomfort—it can damage your throat, voice, and even your airway.

At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C., Dr. Ramie A. Tritt, a board-certified otolaryngologist, specializes in diagnosing and treating acid reflux, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux). If you’re dealing with persistent heartburn, a sore throat, or difficulty swallowing, it’s time to take action.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, irritating the delicate lining of your throat and causing that burning sensation known as heartburn. Normally, a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) prevents this from happening, but when it weakens or relaxes at the wrong time, acid escapes.

Occasional acid reflux is normal, but when it becomes frequent or severe, it can lead to:

• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Chronic acid reflux that can cause long-term damage to the esophagus.
  
  
• Barrett’s Esophagus: A condition where the cells in your esophagus change, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.
  
  
• LPR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux): A form of acid reflux that affects the throat and voice box, sometimes without classic heartburn symptoms.
  
  

Signs You Should See an ENT for Acid Reflux

While heartburn is the most well-known symptom of acid reflux, it’s not the only sign. If you experience any of the following, an ENT specialist can help:

✔️ Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
✔️ Frequent coughing, especially at night
✔️ A lump-like sensation in your throat
✔️ Difficulty swallowing or feeling like food is getting stuck
✔️ Postnasal drip or chronic throat clearing
✔️ Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
✔️ Recurring sinus or ear infections

How Acid Reflux Affects Your Throat & Airways

Acid reflux doesn’t just stop at the esophagus—it can reach your throat, vocal cords, and even nasal passages, leading to:

Author

Ramie A. Tritt, MD Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.