Can you have Acid Reflux Disease (GERD) without having any heartburn?

I have a chronic feeling of discomfort in my throat, giving me problems with talking and breathing. My stomach always feels a bit weird also. But I never have heartburn. So I was just wondering if it's possible to have acid reflux disease without heartburn as one of the symptoms.

[duck64]

YES! Most people have acid reflux (GERD) with no symptoms. I have found that ENT physicians are much more accurate and proactive with treating GERD compared to GI doctors. They may want to do a laryngoscopy (a procedure where your larynx and top of your esophagus are visualized with a small camera that is inserted through your nose after topical lidocaine) which can identify many signs of GERD.  PPIs (Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid) are successful in treating this, although dietary management is also necessary. Among these are minimizing caffeine, citrus products, tomato based products, chocolate, and being sure to consume lots of water.

You may also ask your ENT to check you for Paradoxical Vocal Cord Movement Disorder or Vocal Cord Dysfunction. Your symptoms sound a lot like that, but GERD is overwhelmingly a coexisting problem.  As your ENT about referring you to a qualified speech therapist who can help you to prevent the onset of these symptoms in your breathing and talking.

Good Luck!

[Matt10]

Thank you very much for your help. That's very helpful information and will definitely look into everything you mentioned.