Eating-Related Symptoms That Could Signal Potential Cancer Risk

A dietitian is advising individuals to seek assistance if they experience coughing following a meal, as it may indicate a condition that significantly raises the risk of developing a type of cancer with fatal consequences.

This act of clearing the throat post-eating is an unfamiliar indication of ‘silent reflux,’ a condition where stomach acid flows back towards the throat or even the lungs, leading to irritation.

Unlike the more common form of acid reflux, the ‘silent’ type doesn’t always involve the telltale burning sensation.

Instead, it entails frequent throat clearing, coughing after eating, hoarseness and the sensation of a lump in the throat.  

Now, Molly Pelletier, an expert in nutrition, has taken to Instagram to warn of the dangers of leaving the little-known condition untreated.

In a video that has so far been viewed over 8.6million times, she urged patients not to dismiss a cough as ‘just reflux’. 

‘Your throat is trying to protect itself [from damage],’ she said.

Referred to medically as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), silent reflux affects an estimated one in four individuals in the UK. Unlike typical acid reflux, this condition involves the stomach acid moving further up the esophagus towards the throat.

 Studies have shown that suffering acid reflux for several years can increase the risk of throat, oesophageal and thyroid cancers by at least two-fold.

The constant flow of stomach acid in the throat is thought to irritate the cells lining the throat which can lead to mutations that trigger the formation of cancerous tumours.

Studies have also shown that almost 28 per cent of people with laryngeal cancer suffered with acid reflux. 

Ms Pelletier explained: ‘When acid irritates your larynx [voice box], it triggers you body’s natural defense: a cough reflex.’

Ms Pelletier suggested trying to avoid excessive throat clearing, which can irritate the lining of the throat further. 

Avoiding eating two to three hours before bed, reducing acidic foods and addressing stress can also alleviate symptoms and therefore the risk of cancers. 

‘Focus on calm, unhurried meals and chewing food well,’ the expert advised. 

As well as acidic foods, like citrus fruits, vinegar and tomatoes, the dietitian also advised limiting carbonated drinks.

This is because fizzy drinks can cause the belly muscles to swell, which puts pressure on the sphincter muscles. 

They can also increase the acidity of the stomach, increasing the risk of reflux. 

Consuming too much alcohol and coffee can also cause acid reflux. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, at least half of patients who complain about chronic hoarseness have LPR, or ‘silent’ reflux. 

Acid reflux is caused by acid flowing into the oesophagus—the tube that connects the mouth and the stomach—irritating soft tissue.

This happens when the muscular valve at the top of the stomach, which usually closes to prevent food and stomach juices escaping, doesn’t work properly.

While typical heartburn strikes at any time of day, usually after eating, silent reflux usually occurs at night.

The condition can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other conditions, such as chest infections and allergies.

Other common symptoms include feeling that too much mucus is collecting in the throat and excessive burping. 

Doctors diagnose the silent condition by using a camera to look at a patient’s throat and voice box, which will often be inflamed. 

Treatment usually involves making lifestyle changes—including cutting back on alcohol and quitting smoking—taking antacids to reduce stomach acid and in some cases surgery to tighten the valve. 

Antacids such as Gaviscon and Rennie work by forming a ‘raft’ over the stomach contents so that if anything escapes back into the throat, it is less damaging. 

In rarer cases, patients may be referred to a gastroenterologist, particularly if doctors are concerned about the silent symptoms developing into serious health risks. 

The NHS advises anyone who experiences symptoms that don’t improve on their own for three weeks to contact their GP for advice.