When the reflux is upper it's called LPR. Laryngopharyngeal reflux. It goes into your sinus , eustachian tubes . Cause a sore throat, hoarseness, a horrible cough that can last for months until you choke to death.. when I first had it I thought I had a cold and sinus infection.. I did my research and I fit the symptoms to a tee.. their are more symptoms like globus hystericus where you think your throat closed up. I did Prilosec and Zantac until all the horrible reports came out. I was taking the pills for 5 yrs... And stopped them completely and felt better ... I take Alka seltzer for reflux GERD... And melatonin 10mg to keep the LES closed... And pepcid when I have an attack usually late at night or early am... You can have LPR without GERD.. it can be controlled but it takes time... Be careful taking Prilosec it is harmful to your kidneys and causes osteoporosis... I take Protonix in the am I forgot about that.. it helps.. I was getting GERD really bad and started that and it has helped..