Montgomery News

Lauren Campbell, a physician assistant at Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, said that post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux often co-occur in patients, necessitating evaluation and treatment of both conditions. This statement was made on Instagram on November 13, 2024.

"Oftentimes we do have patients come in for reflux and we can do a thorough evaluation for reflux in the office," said Campbell, according to Instagram. "A common complaint would be sore throat and sometimes patients have an etiology coming from the sinuses such as post-nasal drip but they also have reflux. Post-nasal drip and reflux are two of the most common things that we see and a lot of patients have both. Oftentimes we're going down a pathway where we actually are treating both things so that we get you 100% better instead of partially better."

According to a study published in the Medicine Journal, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been implicated as a potential contributing factor to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The study suggests that acid reflux can reach the upper respiratory tract, leading to inflammation and contributing to sinusitis symptoms. This highlights the importance of considering GERD in patients with refractory CRS.

Verywell Health reports that laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), also known as silent reflux, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the throat and voice box. Unlike GERD, LPR often lacks typical heartburn symptoms but can cause throat irritation and post-nasal drip, leading to sinus issues. This underscores the need for awareness of LPR as a potential underlying cause of sinus-related complaints.

According to National Breathe Free, Campbell is a physician assistant specializing in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Health Education from Radford University and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Shenandoah University. Her previous experience includes primary care in rural North Carolina, where she managed patients with multiple health conditions.

Capitol Breathe Free, located in Washington, D.C., is an ENT clinic dedicated to sinus and allergy care. According to its official site, the practice employs cutting-edge tools like balloon sinuplasty and diagnostic imaging to address structural and allergic sinusitis triggers, offering minimally invasive solutions. Led by specialists, it serves patients struggling with chronic sinus issues using precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.