Reflux and Your Throat: The Hidden Link Between Acid Reflux and ENT Issues

Acid reflux, commonly known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is when stomach acid rushes backward into the esophagus. While reflux is commonly linked with heartburn and indigestion, many people are unaware that it may create issues outside of the digestive tract, namely in the throat. Over time, acid exposure in your esophagus can cause inflammation of fragile throat tissues, resulting in persistent pain, hoarseness, and possibly vocal cord damage.

Our physicians at Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee (OAT) have direct experience with the effects of acid reflux on the throat. Our ear, nose, and throat experts offer cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment choices, building on over a century of community-focused care. Our expert ENT specialists provide tailored care that helps patients safeguard their throat health and provide long-term comfort.

Understanding Acid and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Acid reflux (GERD) occurs when stomach acid rushes back up into your esophagus because the lower esophageal sphincter does not close correctly. This acid reflux generates a burning sensation in your chest known as heartburn. However, acid reflux does not always end at your chest; it can also reach your throat and voice box, aggravating those tissues.

While GERD usually causes heartburn and indigestion, a similar ailment known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) affects the throat and voice box directly. In LPR, stomach acid passes through the upper esophageal sphincter and into the larynx, voice cords, and throat. If left untreated, persistent LPR can cause inflammation of the vocal folds (laryngitis) and possibly the formation of granulomas on the vocal cords.

If you regularly get a painful or burning throat, contact Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee in Nashville, TN, to book an appointment with an ENT doctor.

How Reflux Triggers ENT Problems

When acidic stomach contents enter the esophagus and throat, they could damage more than just the food pipe. Even small amounts of acid can irritate the throat (pharynx) and voice box. This irritation can cause inflammation of the vocal cords and the throat lining. If left untreated, this continual irritation can result in chronic laryngitis, vocal cord injury, ulcers, and scar tissue in the throat or esophagus. Recognizing acid reflux as the cause of these ENT disorders is the first step toward effective therapy.

When to See an ENT Doctor

How do you know if acid reflux is affecting your throat or other ENT areas? Here are some common signs and symptoms to watch for:

• Persistent sore throat

• Hoarseness or voice changes

• Chronic cough, frequent throat clearing, or excess throat mucus

• A feeling of a lump in the throat

• Difficulty swallowing

• Ear pain, pressure, or sinus issues

If you notice several of these symptoms and they continue or recur, acid reflux might be the cause. An ENT specialist can examine your throat directly (typically with a small scope) for signs of redness, swelling, or stomach acid injury. They will offer a personalized treatment strategy based on their findings. If your voice is impaired, they may also provide advice on how to recover it. By addressing the reflux properly, you can get relief and protect your throat for the long term.

If these symptoms sound familiar, don’t ignore them! Reach out to OAT in Nashville, TN, to schedule an appointment, and let one of our specialists determine the cause and give you effective treatment. 

Treatment Options for Reflux-Related Throat Issues

Reflux-related ENT disorders can be effectively managed with lifestyle modifications, medicines, and in some cases, surgical treatments.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Avoid trigger foods (spicy, fatty, or acidic items), eat smaller meals earlier in the evening, and elevate the head of your bed.

• Medications: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers lower acid production, while antacids provide rapid relief from heartburn.

• Voice Therapy: If reflux has stretched the vocal cords, a speech-language pathologist can teach ways to reduce vocal abuse.

• Surgical Options: For individuals with severe reflux who do not respond to medication, surgeries such as fundoplication may be needed.

Consulting an ENT doctor ensures you receive the right balance of therapies to protect your throat and voice.

Professional Reflux Relief in Nashville, TN

If you’re in Nashville, TN, and suspect your throat issues stem from reflux rather than a simple infection, don’t hesitate to seek specialized care. Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee combines decades of expertise with state‑of‑the‑art diagnostics to restore your throat health and protect your voice. Our ENT doctors provide comprehensive throat care, from accurate diagnosis of reflux-related problems to effective treatment, for lasting relief. Whether you need an endoscopic exam, pH testing, or ongoing follow‑up care, you’ll find that our expert ear, nose, and throat doctors are dedicated to your health.

Contact our ENT doctors in Nashville, TN, today and let us put an end to your reflux-related throat issues so you can enjoy life symptom-free. Visit our website or call us at (615) 340 - 4000 to learn how our ENT specialists can resolve your throat pain. 

Earwax Buildup: When to Remove It and When to See a Doctor

Earwax plays an important role in preventing dust, debris, and microorganisms from entering your ear canal and causing damage to your hearing. Despite its importance, many people find the natural substance to be unpleasant or annoying. Typically, earwax works its way out of the ear canal on its own, but that doesn’t stop many from attempting to dig it out with dangerous cotton swabs. But what if you’re unsure if your earwax is clearing properly? Read along to learn when to handle earwax removal at home and when to seek professional help to maintain optimal ear health without causing injury. 

Whether you need a simple checkup or specialized ear care, Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee is here to help. Our ENT specialists are recognized as some of the best in Tennessee, offering comprehensive care for earwax removal, sinus issues, hearing evaluations, and beyond. If you’re dealing with stubborn earwax or any ear-related concern, you can trust OAT to deliver safe relief and personalized treatment. 

Understanding Earwax Buildup

Earwax is naturally generated by glands in the ear canal to moisturize and preserve the skin. While most of it migrates out on its own, factors such as small ear canals, usage of earbuds, or rigorous cleaning might push wax deeper, resulting in impaction. Common symptoms of buildup include a sense of fullness in the ear, impaired hearing, itching, and, in rare cases, ringing or pain.

If left untreated, impacted earwax can raise the risk of ear infections and, in severe situations, damage to the eardrum. Regular check-ups with a Nashville ENT specialist can help monitor wax levels and prevent complications.

Removing Earwax Yourself

In most cases, you do not need to remove your earwax. You should only attempt earwax removal at home if you’re experiencing mild symptoms of buildup, like: 

• A feeling of slight fullness within the ear, but no pain or discharge. 

• Mildly affected hearing, like muffled noise. 

• You have no history of eardrum surgery or perforation. 

For mild wax accumulation, safe home removal methods include softening drops, which can be found at a local pharmacy, followed by gentle irrigation using a bulb syringe and warm water. Never insert cotton swabs, bobby pins, keys, or any other objects into your ear canal, as it can push wax deeper and cause injuries. 

For personalized guidance on safe earwax removal, reach out to Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee today. 

Signs You Need Professional Help

Sometimes earwax accumulates to the point where it becomes impacted, meaning it fully blocks the ear canal. It’s time to see a doctor if you are experiencing any of these warning signs: 

• Persistent earache, pain, or a sense of pressure and fullness.

• Significant hearing loss or muffled hearing. 

• Dizziness, ringing, or balance issues. 

• Foul odor or unusual discharge from the ear, especially if it’s pus-like or bloody. 

Any of these symptoms can indicate blockage or another ear problem that isn’t wax at all. The only way to know for sure is to have a medical professional examine your ears. OAT’s specialists can thoroughly inspect your ears and create a personalized recovery strategy to ensure your hearing is restored. 

How Allergy Clinics Help

When you visit OAT for earwax issues, our ENT doctor will examine your ear canal with specialized instruments to confirm a wax impaction. Wax production and buildup can also be affected and caused by allergies, which is why ENT specialists’ evaluations identify triggers such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. By addressing underlying allergies in our Allergy Clinic, you reduce inflammation and improve natural ear drainage, diminishing the risk of future wax impactions.

Discover how our allergy clinic services at Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee can enhance your ear health and prevent impaction. Contact us today by calling us at (615) 340 - 4000. 

Preventing Earwax Accumulation

To support your ears’ self-cleaning mechanism and prevent impaction, avoid inserting cotton swabs or small objects into your ears. Instead, occasional use of gentle softening drops can maintain balance. Always keep your ears dry, as moisture trapped in the canal can mix with wax and exacerbate blockages. For those who are prone to buildup, such as those with hearing aids or who work in dusty environments, schedule routine cleanings with OAT’s ENT specialists in Nashville. By combining simple at-home habits with professional oversight, you minimize the need for urgent intervention and protect your hearing long term. 

OAT: Your Trusted Nashville ENT Doctors

At Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee, our highly skilled ENT doctors stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements and use state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose and treat ear conditions, including stubborn earwax impactions. But earwax buildup is just one of many ear, nose, and throat issues that we expertly handle. Our practice is a leading Nashville ENT and allergy clinic offering comprehensive care under one roof. From routine ear cleanings and hearing evaluations to advanced allergy testing and sinus treatments, our team provides the full spectrum of ENT services.

Ready to hear and feel better? Contact Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee today to schedule an appointment with the best ENT and allergy specialists in Nashville. Visit us online or call us at (615) 340 - 4000 to start your path towards ear, nose, and throat relief.