Savannah Guthrie Has ‘Silent Reflux’: Here’s What That Means

Savannah Guthrie was advised by her doctor to avoid chocolate and alcohol after getting diagnosed with what’s known as “silent reflux.” 

The Today show co-host, 51, joked she’d rather just deal with the symptoms than make the dietary changes. 

“I don’t want to do it," she told her co-hosts. "Doc says no caffeine, no alcohol, no chocolate, no fatty foods, no tomatoes, no limes in my cocktail — why am I even alive at this point?” 

Guthrie revealed Tuesday that she learned “this week” she has laryngopharyngeal reflux, also known as “silent reflux,” after developing a hoarse voice and a cough. 

“I thought it was old age,” she said. “I didn’t know.” 

Now that Guthrie knows, she’s helping raise awareness for others who may not know they’re dealing with the same issue. 

“It’s a good time to do it, because the holiday season can be filled with food and drinks that aggravate the condition,” co-host Sheinelle Jones said during the segment. 

Here’s what you need to know about silent reflux. 

What is silent reflux? 

Silent reflux is in the acid reflux family, but affects the nose and mouth rather than causing chest pain, as heartburn typically does. 

The often-overlooked condition gets its “silent” name because “you can have it and not feel the typical symptoms of what we think of as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD,” NBC News Medical Correspondent Tara Narula, M.D., said during the segment. 

Silent reflux happens when stomach acid rises into the esophagus and continues past the chest and into the throat and voice box, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, hoarse voice, coughing or clearing the throat and throat mucus. 

Dr. Narula noted that the condition can “fly under the radar,” because people may assume they have seasonal allergies, asthma or a cold. Left untreated, she said, silent reflux can lead to further complications including lung issues, airway infections and irritations, vocal cord lesions or laryngeal cancer. 

“It is important to pick it up if you have it,” Dr. Narula said, referring to identifying the condition via a diagnosis. 

Sometimes the issue is treated with proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) medication that is also used to treat heartburn, GERD and stomach ulcers, Dr. Narula added. PPIs are available over-the-counter and you likely know them by their name brands, like Prilosec and Nexium. 

But diet and lifestyle changes are also a big part of treatment, she added. 

“When your mother-in-law calls and says ‘let’s have Thanksgiving dinner at 4:30,’ that might be a good idea,” Dr. Narula said. “What you don’t want to do is eat a big meal and then lay down right away. You want to give about two to three hours.” 

Avoiding triggering foods, such as spicy foods, fried foods, citrus, wine, alcohol, coffee and chocolate can also help, Dr. Narula said — much to the chagrin of Guthrie. 

“You just described my diet,” Guthrie joked.