Silent Reflux - How Do You Know If You Have It?

Silent reflux is also known as Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) and the terms are commonly used interchangeably

. Silent reflux is similar to acid reflux disease and GERD. They all involve the leaking of stomach contents (food and liquid) and stomach acid back up through the esophagus due to an abnormal relaxing or weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or if there is too much pressure on it. The lower esophageal sphincter is a band of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus where it connects to the stomach.

Silent reflux or LPR differs from GERD and acid reflux disease in that patients suffering silent reflux often do not suffer from heartburn. Heartburn is one of the main reflux symptoms that alerts those with GERD and acid reflux disease that they have a problem. Hence the term 'silent reflux'. Going untreated, silent reflux can cause other more severe medical conditions, so the earlier it is diagnosed the better.

How Do You Know If You Have Silent Reflux?

With the absence of painful heartburn, many people are unaware they have LPR or silent reflux. So the big question is how do you know? Symptoms of silent reflux can include sore throat, hoarseness, too much throat mucus, chronic coughing, trouble swallowing and the sensation of having a lump in your throat.

If you are experiencing these symptoms your doctor can do tests to see if you have silent reflux or LPR. The two most common tests to determine if you have silent reflux are ph-MERTY test and the Barium swallow. The ph-MERTY test is used to test the acid level in the throat and esophagus and the barium swallow is used to examine the swallowing mechanism.

However altering your diet and eating habits can also show you what it is that is bothering you and what you need to do to prevent these symptoms.

Silent Reflux In Children

As opposed to heartburn, acid reflux disease and GERD that are normally associated with adults, silent reflux is often seen in infants and children. This can be extremely hard to diagnose in the beginning. Signs your child may have silent reflux include sudden crying and colic like symptoms, irritability, spit and vomiting, hiccups, frequent ear infections, trouble sleeping/ waking up frequently, aversion to food, excessive drooling, red sore throat.

Treatment Of Silent Reflux

Treatment of silent reflux is similar to treating acid reflux disease or GERD symptoms. And the same problems are present in prescription medications - severe allergic reactions and serious side effects. Obviously these medications are also far too dangerous for your baby or infant. Most symptoms and causes of these reflux problems can be treated naturally through lifestyle changes and changes in diet and eating habits as well as using home based or natural remedies.

Treatment for silent reflux in young children can be more limited. However you can use many natural remedies without fear of side effects. Silent reflux in babies and infants can often be relieved by holding them more upright when feeding and trying to put them to sleep in a position that keeps their upper body elevated as this can help prevent the reflux action.

by: Nat B.

POST COMMENT

Indigestion And Acid Reflux Can Turn To Gerd. Prevention Is The Key To A Cure For Acid Reflux Battling Reflux and Constipation the Natural way Things You Must Recognize And Value As Regards Acid Reflux Naturally Stop Acid Reflux Have You Used Acid Reflux Pillows To Help Relieve Your Heartburn? Understanding Acid Reflux- Get some help today Find simple solution to acid reflux with Nexium How to Know if You Have Acid Reflux How To Choose An Acid Reflux Cure The Role of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Acid Reflux Relief Banish Acid Reflux How Your Posture Is Affecting Your Acid Reflux