Facts about Silent Reflux
Silent reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux is a health issue that affects the digestive system. The hallmarks of silent reflux include nausea, chest pain, and heartburn. It is mainly caused by excessive acid in the stomach. You can learn more about silent refilux by reading a report from a German journalist. The damage caused by this acid makes the content of the stomach to reflux up the esophagus, into the voice box, throat, and even into the nasal passages.
What Causes Silent Reflux?
Food travels from the mouth, then down the esophagus and finally into the stomach when someone eats foods. Food stays in the stomach for about 3-4 hours, where it is broken down by the gastrointestinal system. Nutrients are absorbed during the digestion process while the waste excreted.
The stomach acid can escape back into the esophagus, even if the body has a unique mechanism that prevents this from happening. Sphincters (elastic-like rings) found at the top and bottom of the esophagus help in keeping the stomach contents from refluxing into the throat and esophagus. These rings don’t close if one has this condition.
Common Symptoms Associated With Reflux
As the name suggests, this condition causes a few symptoms. It is different from the other conditions such as gastrointestinal reflux that cause heartburn. The common symptoms associated with silent reflux include:
- Asthma
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- A bitter taste in the throat
- A burning sensation or in the throat or sore throat
- Frequent urge to clean the throat
- Chronic postnasal drip
Predisposing Conditions/Risk Factors
Individuals of any sex and age can develop this condition, but some people are more prone to it. Some of the risk factors include:
- Pregnancy
- Lifestyle factors like overeating, diet, alcohol, or tobacco use
- Physical causes such as malfunctioned or deformed sphincter, being overweight and slow emptying of the waste.
Reflux occurs more frequently in infants and children because their lower and upper esophageal sphincter muscles are not strong enough to close, but this condition improves as they age.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A gastroenterologist is a professional who diagnoses and treats issues that affect the gastrointestinal tract. You should immediately see a doctor when you suspect you have this condition. Early diagnosis can prevent the symptoms associated with this condition and prevent further damage to the patient’s throat, lungs, esophagus, and voice box.
A doctor will conduct a full test and request a history of symptoms. This professional will prescribe reflux, medication to stop further damage caused by silent reflux, but it not possible to reverse it. The following are the common types of medications used in treating this condition:
- Proton pump inhibitors
- H2 blockers.
- Antacids
These medications have been proven to be effective in preventing the stomach from producing excess acid and reducing stomach acid. The doctor can also recommend some lifestyle changes or even advise you to reduce the risk factors that cause reflux.…