- mucus buildup in the throat. This condition occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve between the stomach and esophagus, malfunctions and allows stomach acid to flow backward up the esophagus. Unlike typical acid reflux that causes noticeable heartburn, silent reflux often manifests only through throat symptoms such as constant mucus, a sensation of a lump in the throat, hoarseness, or chronic cough.
Because silent reflux lacks the classic digestive discomfort, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. The acidic irritation stimulates the mucous membranes in the throat to produce excess
