Hidden Signs of Acid Reflux You Might Miss

ByEditorial Staff

Acid reflux doesn’t always show up as heartburn. In fact, many people have acid reflux without realizing it. The symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for something else. That’s why it’s important to know the hidden signs. Catching them early can help prevent long-term damage to your esophagus, throat, and lungs.

What Is Acid Reflux? Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus—the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. This backflow can irritate the lining of the esophagus.1

When acid reflux becomes frequent, it’s called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Over time, GERD can cause inflammation, scarring, or even lead to precancerous changes in the esophagus.2

Here’s what acid reflux might look like—without the burn.

1. Chronic Cough

If you’ve had a nagging cough that won’t go away, acid reflux might be the reason—especially if it’s worse at night or after eating. The acid can irritate your throat and lungs, leading to a dry, persistent cough. You might not feel heartburn, but the cough keeps coming back.

2. Hoarseness or Voice Changes

Do you often wake up with a scratchy voice? Or notice that your voice gets hoarse without a cold or overuse? Acid that reaches the vocal cords can cause irritation and swelling. Over time, this can affect how your voice sounds—especially in the morning.

3. A Lump in Your Throat (Globus Sensation)

Some people with acid reflux feel like there’s a lump stuck in their throat, even though nothing is there. This is called globus sensation. It’s not painful, but it can be uncomfortable. You may feel the need to clear your throat constantly.3

4. Trouble Swallowing

Acid reflux can make swallowing feel difficult or cause a sensation of food sticking in your chest. This happens when the esophagus becomes irritated or narrowed over time. If you often have to chew extra carefully or drink more fluids to swallow, acid reflux may be the cause.4

5. Frequent Throat Clearing

Do you find yourself clearing your throat throughout the day? This could be your body’s way of dealing with acid that has reached the back of your throat. Some people describe it as feeling like mucus is always present, even if they’re not sick.

6. Sour or Bitter Taste in the Mouth

Sometimes, acid can make its way all the way up to your mouth. This can leave a bitter or sour taste, especially after meals or when lying down. It can also lead to bad breath, even if you brush your teeth regularly.

7. Chest Discomfort That Mimics Heart Problems

Not all chest discomfort is caused by the heart. Acid reflux can lead to chest tightness or pressure that feels like angina (heart-related chest pain). If the sensation comes on after eating or when lying down and improves with antacids, acid reflux could be the reason. Still, it’s important to rule out heart issues first.

When to See a Doctor

Mild reflux can sometimes be managed with diet and lifestyle changes. But if these hidden symptoms happen regularly, it’s best to talk with your doctor. Repeated acid exposure can damage the esophagus and raise your risk of serious conditions like Barrett’s esophagus.

You should seek medical advice if you:

  • Have symptoms more than twice a week
  • Wake up coughing or choking
  • Have trouble swallowing or feel food is getting stuck
  • Lose weight without trying
  • Experience chest pain or pressure

How is Reflux Treated?

To reduce acid reflux:

  • Eat smaller meals and avoid lying down right after eating.
  • Limit acidic and fatty foods, including coffee, citrus, tomatoes, and fried food.
  • Avoid late-night eating—give your stomach at least 2-3 hours to digest.
  • Elevate the head of your bed to keep acid down while you sleep.
  • Maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight increases pressure on the stomach.
  • Take all of your medicines with plenty of water. 5
  • Over-the-counter and prescription medicines: omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole can treat GERD

References:

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940 ↩︎
  2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd ↩︎
  3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/globus-sensation ↩︎
  4. https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/dysphagia ↩︎
  5. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000265.htm ↩︎
Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Mayor Boss is a team of expert writers who are passionate about health and wellness. They are dedicated to creating well-researched, highly detailed content that is easy to read and trustworthy. You can count on them to provide you with authentic and up-to-date information.