Did you know that up to 40% of the world’s population may suffer from one or more allergic conditions, and that gastroesophageal reflux is one of the most common diseases of the digestive system in various parts of the world? But what is the relationship between GERD and sinus allergy?

Sinus sensitivity

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the nasal mucosa, and is triggered by exposure to an allergen such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. Causing symptoms similar to those of the common cold.

It is a symptom of allergic rhinitis

• Runny nose
• sore throat
• Tears and redness of the eye
• Swelling of the skin below the eye
• Cough
• Sinus pressure
• Feeling exhausted and tired

Allergic rhinitis is also known as sinus allergy, hay fever, or hay fever, and it may affect people of all ages.

For more information, read: Treating Sinus Allergies Naturally

GERD

GERD is a disorder that usually indicates digestive problems such as indigestion, with stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Which may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux, known as silent esophageal reflux, which causes the emergence of some accompanying symptoms that may differ between the two types.

Silent reflux, like gastroesophageal reflux, if left untreated, may cause serious health problems. Over time, this may lead to asthma, sleep apnea, or esophageal cancer.

Symptoms of silent reflux esophagitis

• Sinusitis
• sore throat
• Hoarseness
• pain in chest
• Inflammation of the middle ear
• sleep disturbances
• Erosion of tooth enamel
• Feeling of something stuck in the throat (ball-throat syndrome)

Gastroesophageal reflux and sinus allergy

Gastroesophageal reflux is one of the common diseases, and one of its most prominent symptoms is heartburn, but the interesting thing is that otolaryngologists discovered that some patients did not show any symptoms arising from the upper digestive system, despite the presence of symptoms of reflux, but without symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux Typical, most notably heartburn.

This refers to silent GERD, which may present with vague symptoms such as hoarseness and a feeling of a lump in the throat (as if something is stuck in the throat).

This condition was discovered in 1968, and since then the symptoms of silent GERD have been linked to other medical conditions such as sinusitis, obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, and chronic pharyngitis.

For more information read: The relationship between GERD and asthma

The results of some studies have indicated that there is a relationship between GERD and the sinuses. The study found that about 85% of the participants were positively diagnosed with silent GERD and sinus allergy (allergic rhinitis).

Hoarseness and spheropharyngitis are common symptoms of both silent reflux and allergic rhinitis. Silent feedback can be considered as an aid in increasing patients’ awareness of allergy problems.

So awareness has grown that silent GERD is a disease of the airways, yet sinus allergy (allergic rhinitis) is one of the most common airway diseases in the world.

How to differentiate between GERD and allergic rhinitis

If you wake up in the morning with a runny nose and a persistent cough throughout the day, keep in mind that this could be a symptom of silent GERD, and not just seasonal allergic rhinitis.

However, the difference between them may be the shape of the mucus, as patients with allergic rhinitis suffer from a runny nose and the secretion of mucus is quite clear, while the mucus in patients with silent reflux appears thick and looks like glue.

And if you suspect the presence of symptoms of silent GERD, you can follow the elimination diet for a period of two weeks, by avoiding consuming dairy products and drinks that contain caffeine, with a commitment to eating low-fat foods, avoiding spicy and fried foods, and any of the foods and drinks that cause symptoms of GERD. If you really do have silent reflux, these changes may help treat your symptoms.

Although some studies have found a close association between GERD and sinus sensitivity, to this day researchers are still striving for a more accurate understanding of GERD, its symptoms, and its impact on other pathological conditions.