Halitosis and GERD

Could bad breath be an unidentified complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Bacterial overgrowth from a mucus-rich environment can cause halitosis. In atypical/silent GERD, heartburn/indigestion, as a warning, is absent or infrequent. However, with or without heartburn, our natural defense mechanisms includes production of a mucus barrier to prevent the acid and refluxed digestive enzymes from harming the esophagus (and airways as well). Vagus nerve fibers in the esophagus recognize danger and trigger mucus production and more. As the protective mucus response grows it can “spill over” beyond the endangered esophagus clinging to dental/oral/ear/nasal structures. This mucus rich environment, in addition to being a nuisance, can allow bacterial over-growth causing the characteristic odor. Even extreme attempts at oral hygiene can fail. Those afflicted might (or might not!) have other unrecognized symptoms or events caused by refluxed stomach juices: nasal drip/itching/congestion, runny nose,”allergies”, sinus pressure, sneezing, throat clearing, hoarseness/voice changes, lump sensation in the throat, choking, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hiccups, dental problems, ear discomfort, headache, neck pain/stiffness, chronic cough, unexplained chest pain/chest soreness could be present in GERD. A variety of symptoms can be present at any age, even in infants. Non-heartburn, atypical-GERD symptoms are often harder to treat/resolve. Therapy intended for heartburn relief alone often leave away-from-the-esophagus (called extra-esophageal) symptoms untouched. I first realized GERD could have far reaching implications when, after numerous failed therapies, I found it the cause of my daughter’s long-standing phlegm and choking episodes. If the underlying cause is treated symptoms disappear.