5 ways to reduce laryngopharyngeal reflux during Tet

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a condition in which gastric juice, including acid, pepsin, and sometimes bile, refluxes into the pharynx, larynx, and sinus cavity.

People with laryngopharyngeal reflux may experience symptoms such as prolonged hoarseness, a feeling of tightness in the throat, a burning sensation in the throat, chronic cough, frequent throat clearing, and worse in the morning or after eating a large meal. Symptoms are non-specific and easily confused with common diseases, so many patients do not treat them properly, negatively affecting their stomach and overall health.

MSc. Pham Vu Hong Hanh, ENT Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, said that Lunar New Year is the time when people eat and drink more than usual, the dishes are often high in fat, starch, and sweets. During Tet, people tend to stay up late and are sedentary, while these are factors that increase the risk of laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Dr. Hanh guides some ways to help control and limit recurrence of laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Eat in moderation, avoid stimulating foods

During Tet, people with a history of laryngopharyngeal reflux should limit fried, fatty, hot, sour foods, chocolate, sweets, banh chung and sticky foods. These foods digest slowly, stay in the digestive system for a long time, and easily reflux. Don’t eat too much, divide your meals into small portions and avoid eating late at night, especially three hours before bed.

Limit alcohol and carbonated drinks

Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, making it easier for acid to reflux into the esophagus and throat. Carbonated drinks increase pressure in the stomach, promoting more severe reflux. If you drink, drink small amounts, slowly and do not drink on an empty stomach.

Maintain correct posture

After meals, patients should sit up straight or walk gently, avoiding lying down. When sleeping, you can raise the head of the bed about 10-15 cm to reduce nighttime reflux.

Keeps warm and protects the throat and neck

Cold weather during Tet can easily make the throat dry and more sensitive. According to Dr. Hanh, patients need to keep their necks warm, limit speaking loudly and talk too much, and avoid shouting and singing too hard. Drink enough warm water and gargle with physiological saline every day to help soothe the throat mucosa.

Maintain a moderate lifestyle

Staying up late and prolonged stress can increase stomach acid secretion. Everyone should get enough sleep, stay mentally relaxed, and maintain light exercise such as walking, stretching, and yoga even during Tet days.

If symptoms such as hoarseness, dry cough, or sore throat last more than 2-3 weeks, recur many times, or do not improve despite lifestyle changes, the patient should see a doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.