I always seem to have phlegm in my throat and the feeling like there is a lump in my throat...what could this be?

Your symptoms could be the result of extra esophageal or laryngeal reflux.  This is also commonly known as “throat reflux.”  Throat reflux is not like the acid reflux which causes traditional “heartburn” (otherwise known as GERD).  Throat reflux involves your stomach acid coming up high enough into the esophagus that it essentially spills over into the larynx—where your vocal cords are located (the “voice box”).  

Symptoms of throat reflux include any/all of the following: 

• frequent need to clear your throat (excess phlegm in your throat), 

• chronic cough (often a dry cough), 

• hoarseness, 

• trouble swallowing, 

• sensation of having a “lump in the throat”, 

• sour or acid taste in the mouth, sore throat, 

• and at times for some people the sensation that they are choking.  

No where on this list of symptoms for throat reflux do you see “heartburn”, belching, or chest pain.  Again, that is because with THROAT reflux the stomach acid is coming up to a higher place in the esophagus where it is actually affecting the larynx (voice box).  When this occurs, it causes inflammation and swelling which then causes the symptoms noted above.

Call if you have additional questions or to schedule a consultation.  218-454-8888. 

Have a great day!
Kurtis Waters MD