Surprising Symptoms of Acid Reflux You Might Be Ignoring

You don’t need to have heartburn or indigestion to have acid reflux — here’s how to spot the hidden signs.

Acid reflux symptoms aren’t always as obvious as heartburn or indigestion. In fact, many people suffer from silent reflux — a type of reflux where stomach acid travels up into the throat without the typical burning sensation in the chest.

Silent reflux can occur day or night and even if you haven't eaten anything. If these subtle symptoms are missed or ignored, acid reflux can worsen over time, leading to chronic throat issues, vocal cord damage, and even more serious conditions like oesophageal inflammation or Barrett’s Oesophagus.

The good news? Once you recognise the signs, there’s a lot you can do to reduce symptoms and protect your long-term health .

In this blog, we’ll explore eight common (and often overlooked) symptoms of silent acid reflux and how they can impact your health.

1. A Constant Need to Clear Your Throat

One of the most common signs of silent reflux is frequent throat clearing. You may feel like there’s always something stuck in your throat — even when there’s not.

This irritation is often caused by acid rising up and affecting the sensitive tissues of your larynx (voice box). Over time, this can lead to hoarseness, chronic inflammation, and even voice changes.

2. A Lingering Cough That Won’t Go Away

Do you have a dry cough that seems to stick around no matter what you try?

Reflux can cause a persistent, tickly cough, especially when lying down or after eating. It’s often misdiagnosed as allergies or a post-viral symptom, but if it's happening regularly, acid reflux could be the root cause.

3. A Sore Throat With No Obvious Cause

Recurrent sore throats — particularly in the morning — can be a sign that stomach acid is reaching the back of your throat during the night.

This can also cause a burning or raw feeling, especially after meals or when you first wake up. You might not feel heartburn at all — but your throat is telling you something isn’t right.

4. That “Lump in the Throat” Sensation

Known as globus sensation, this symptom can feel like you’ve got a pill or tightness stuck in your throat, even when you haven’t eaten.

It’s often triggered by acid irritation affecting the muscles in your throat. While it can feel alarming, it’s a common sign of silent reflux and can improve significantly with the right support.

5. A Sour Taste or Bad Breath

If you wake up with a bitter or sour taste in your mouth, or find yourself constantly chewing gum to manage bad breath, reflux might be the culprit.

Acid creeping up during the night — or small amounts of regurgitation after meals — can leave behind an unpleasant aftertaste and impact your dental health over time.

6. Mucus or Phlegm Collecting in the Throat

Reflux can stimulate the body to produce more mucus, especially in the upper throat and nasal passages. This can leave you with a constant feeling of phlegm, prompting repeated throat clearing or swallowing. Many people assume this is post-nasal drip or a lingering cold, but if it persists, it could be a digestive issue — not a respiratory one.

7. Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)

Do you sometimes feel like food or drinks get stuck going down?

Reflux can cause inflammation and narrowing in the oesophagus, making it harder to swallow. This may happen gradually or only with certain foods. Left unaddressed, this symptom can become more frequent and uncomfortable — and may even lead to anxiety around eating

8. Excessive Burping, Especially During the Day

Frequent belching — especially when it’s not related to fizzy drinks — can be a sign of digestive dysfunction or silent acid reflux.

When the lower oesophageal sphincter (the muscle that keeps stomach contents from rising) becomes weakened or relaxed, it can allow acid and air to escape upwards, resulting in burping, bloating, and discomfort during or after meals.

If you’re dealing with chronic coughs, throat irritation, or strange sensations you can’t explain — and heartburn is not one of your symptoms — don’t rule out acid reflux. Silent reflux can quietly damage your throat if left untreated.

The sooner you spot the signs, the sooner you can do something about it. 

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Lisa McPherson Nutrition (@lisamcphersonnutrition) • Instagram photos and videos