Acid Reflux Sore throat help

About 5 years ago I started getting a raspy voice, and loosing my voice. Every morning I would have a sore throat and no voice, but fine by mid-day. A couple years later, I was refered to an allergist, they thought is was postnasal and I had an operation to straiten my septum. No change (except right after the operation because I had not been able to eat anything for a couple days). I finally went to a GI doc where I had an upper GI. No ulcers, no Barretts, but they put me on PPi's which even months later did not change my painful mornings. Other reflux meds were tried at no avail (just side effects, no help) Then I was referred into 'town' to see another specialist. He did acidity tests that showed there was not an acidity problem. He also did an upper and lower, and found my LES was not functioning properly. I went in for fundoplycation, which although seemed to help for a couple days (again b/c I didn't eat, so there was nothing to wash up into my throat when I slept), but the same pain was back a couple weeks later. I am extremely frustrated, and have not pursued it any further, but am not in constant pain and straining my voice. I also plan on pregnancy in the next year or two, and would like to try any sort of solution now. PLEASE let me know if anyone has suggestions...I have done the bed on stilts, watched what I ate and when I ate, tight cloths, licorice, etc

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi ABAR,
The symtoms (symptoms) you have mentioned may be due to -
1. Post nasal drip from sinus
2. GERD

But you have been investigated for both and even treated for both. You have undergone fundoplication also.

As a gastroenterologist, I would suggest that you undergo a few tests again ( If done earlier) -

1. 24/48 hours pH monitoring - If you are on PPI or anti-reflux drugs, stop them before the test

2. Esophageal manometry ( done as part of pH monitoring also)

This will decide whether you still have reflux and the effectiveness of your surgery.
If reflux is detected - you may have to take PPI again and also some life style modifications.

Discuss with your physician about these issues
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.