- Johar Town, Lahore
- Mon - Sun 24/7
Dr. Sajid Iqbal
ENT Specialist · Lahore
GERD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) is stomach acid rising into the oesophagus, felt as heartburn. LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux, or “silent reflux”) is acid reaching higher, to the throat and voice box — often without heartburn, which is why it is so frequently missed. It causes throat clearing, hoarseness, a lump-in-throat sensation (globus), chronic cough and post-nasal-drip-like symptoms.
Swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) can come from reflux, from throat and oesophageal narrowing, from muscle or nerve problems, or occasionally from a growth. Functional dyspepsia — bloating, early fullness and upper-abdominal discomfort without a structural cause — often sits alongside reflux and is managed jointly with gastroenterology. Dr. Sajid assesses the throat side of all of these and coordinates with a gastroenterologist when the problem lies lower down.
A structured symptom questionnaire (Reflux Symptom Index) and flexible laryngoscopy to look for the typical signs of reflux on the larynx — redness, swelling, thickening between the vocal cords — and to rule out any lesion. Swallowing is assessed in clinic; where food is sticking, a barium swallow, upper GI endoscopy (OGD) or oesophageal manometry / pH study is arranged with gastroenterology. Functional dyspepsia is a diagnosis made once structural causes are excluded.
Rarely needed from the ENT side. Oesophageal dilatation for strictures and anti-reflux surgery (fundoplication) for severe GERD that fails medical treatment are performed by gastroenterology and GI surgery colleagues, to whom Dr. Sajid refers directly. Biopsy of any throat lesion found on laryngoscopy is done by Dr. Sajid.
Symptom scoring, examination and laryngoscopy to look at the throat and larynx.
Reflux signs, allergy, a structural cause, or a combination — explained with the scope images.
Diet changes plus medication for 8–12 weeks. Most LPR patients improve markedly within this window.
OGD, barium swallow or pH study arranged with gastroenterology for persistent or alarming symptoms.
Reassessment at 8–12 weeks; medication stepped down once controlled.
Consultation including laryngoscopy: PKR 4000. Investigations with gastroenterology are charged by the performing facility.
Ready to get it sorted? Book a consultation with Dr. Sajid Iqbal at Horizon Hospital, Johar Town, Lahore — call 0321 4496160 or WhatsApp.
Yes. More than half of LPR patients have no heartburn at all. The acid reaches the throat in small amounts, mostly at night, and the throat is far more sensitive to it than the oesophagus.
Globus — a lump sensation with normal swallowing of food — is almost always benign and linked to reflux, muscle tension or anxiety. A lump that is visible, growing, or accompanied by food actually sticking, pain, or weight loss needs prompt examination.
A defined course of 8–12 weeks, then step down. Long-term PPI use without review is not recommended; diet and habit changes are what keep LPR away.
Dr. Sajid assesses the throat and swallowing side and will tell you when the problem is lower down. Functional dyspepsia itself is managed with a gastroenterologist; the clinic refers directly so you are not left to find one.
If food is stuck and you cannot swallow saliva, go to an emergency department. Progressive difficulty over weeks, pain on swallowing, or weight loss should be seen within days, not months.
Same-week appointments at Horizon Hospital, Johar Town, Lahore.
Timings: Mon – Sun 24/7
Consultation Fee: PKR 4000
Dr. Sajid Iqbal, MBBS, MS-ENT, is a consultant ENT surgeon with 20+ years of experience treating patients in Lahore. Read his profile →
Clinic in Johar Town, Lahore, Mon – Sun 24/7