A dietitian has urged the public to seek help if they find themselves coughing after a meal — as it could be a sign of a condition that can dramatically increase the risk of deadly cancer.

Clearing your throat after food is a little-known symptom of ‘silent reflux’, which happens when stomach acid leaks backwards towards the throat or even lungs, causing irritation.

Unlike the more common form of acid reflux, the ‘silent’ type doesn’t always involve the telltale burning sensation.

Instead, it entails frequent throat clearing, coughing after eating, hoarseness and the sensation of a lump in the throat.  

Now, Molly Pelletier, an expert in nutrition, has taken to Instagram to warn of the dangers of leaving the little-known condition untreated.

In a video that has so far been viewed over 8.6million times, she urged patients not to dismiss a cough as ‘just reflux’. 

‘Your throat is trying to protect itself [from damage],’ she said.

Silent reflux, known medically as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), is thought to affect around one in four people in the UK, and typically involves the stomach acid travelling further up the food pipe to the throat than traditional acid reflux.

The nutritionist explained that coughing after eating a meal can be a sign of something more serious than ‘just acid reflux’, increasing the risk of chronic asthma, sinus infections and even gastrointestinal cancers

 Studies have shown that suffering acid reflux for several years can increase the risk of throat, oesophageal and thyroid cancers by at least two-fold.

The constant flow of stomach acid in the throat is thought to irritate the cells lining the throat which can lead to mutations that trigger the formation of cancerous tumours.

Studies have also shown that almost 28 per cent of people with laryngeal cancer suffered with acid reflux. 

Ms Pelletier explained: ‘When acid irritates your larynx [voice box], it triggers you body’s natural defense: a cough reflex.’

Ms Pelletier suggested trying to avoid excessive throat clearing, which can irritate the lining of the throat further. 

Avoiding eating two to three hours before bed, reducing acidic foods and addressing stress can also alleviate symptoms and therefore the risk of cancers. 

‘Focus on calm, unhurried meals and chewing food well,’ the expert advised. 

As well as acidic foods, like citrus fruits, vinegar and tomatoes, the dietitian also advised limiting carbonated drinks.

Symptoms of LPR include a sensation of a lump in the throat, hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, difficulty swallowing, a chronic cough and a sore dry throat 

This is because fizzy drinks can cause the belly muscles to swell, which puts pressure on the sphincter muscles. 

They can also increase the acidity of the stomach, increasing the risk of reflux. 

Consuming too much alcohol and coffee can also cause acid reflux. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, at least half of patients who complain about chronic hoarseness have LPR, or ‘silent’ reflux. 

Acid reflux is caused by acid flowing into the oesophagus—the tube that connects the mouth and the stomach—irritating soft tissue.

This happens when the muscular valve at the top of the stomach, which usually closes to prevent food and stomach juices escaping, doesn’t work properly.

While typical heartburn strikes at any time of day, usually after eating, silent reflux usually occurs at night.

The condition can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other conditions, such as chest infections and allergies.

Other common symptoms include feeling that too much mucus is collecting in the throat and excessive burping. 

Doctors diagnose the silent condition by using a camera to look at a patient’s throat and voice box, which will often be inflamed. 

Treatment usually involves making lifestyle changes—including cutting back on alcohol and quitting smoking—taking antacids to reduce stomach acid and in some cases surgery to tighten the valve. 

Antacids such as Gaviscon and Rennie work by forming a ‘raft’ over the stomach contents so that if anything escapes back into the throat, it is less damaging. 

In rarer cases, patients may be referred to a gastroenterologist, particularly if doctors are concerned about the silent symptoms developing into serious health risks. 

The NHS advises anyone who experiences symptoms that don’t improve on their own for three weeks to contact their GP for advice.