Silent Acid Reflux

Silent Acid Reflux, also known as Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), is a condition similar to GERD in that the contents of the stomach reflux back up. Although the condition is similar to GERD the symptoms can be quite different.

With silent acid reflux sufferers do not always display the classic symptoms shown with GERD, such as burning sensation in the chest and throat (heartburn). This can make silent acid reflux harder to diagnose.

What causes silent acid reflux?

At the top and bottom of your esophagus are rings of muscle known as sphincters that keep stomach acid in the stomach. In silent acid reflux sufferers the sphincters don’t function correctly and acid backs up into the throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx) and sometimes into the nasal airways. This can lead to severe irritation as these areas are not designed to withstand gastric acid exposure.

Silent acid reflux can be common in infants as their sphincters are not fully developed, their esophagus is shorter, and they spend a lot of time lying down.

Symptoms of silent acid reflux in infants include:

Chronic Cough
Hoarseness
Noisy breathing
Sour breath
Wet sounding burps
Frequent hiccups
Pauses in breathing (apnea)
Wheezing
Spitting up food
Trouble swallowing
Poor sleeping habits
Problems with gaining weight
Excessive fussiness, crying or colic
See also Baby Acid Reflux

Symptoms of silent acid reflux in adults may include:

Heartburn
Burning sensation in back of throat
Bitter taste in mouth
Excessive clearing of throat
Hoarseness
An obstruction or lump like feeling in the throat that won’t clear
Persistent cough
Trouble swallowing
Sore throat
Breathing problems
Excess mucus in throat

Complications of silent acid reflux

Prolonged exposure in the throat and nasal airways to stomach acid can cause long term serious damage.

In children and infants silent acid reflux can cause:

Contact ulcers
Persistent ear infections
Permanent build-up of middle ear fluid
Cause the area below the vocal cord to narrow

In adults silent acid reflux can:

Increase the risk of cancer to exposed areas
Scar the lining of the throat and larynx
Irritate the lungs and bring on asthma, bronchitis or emphysema

How is silent acid reflux diagnosed?

Doctors can usually diagnose it by means of other medical history, a physical examination, and specific tests which include:
An endoscopic examination involving a small camera placed down into the throat and larynx.
pH monitoring over a 24 hour period in which a catheter is placed through the nose and into the throat and esophagus. The sensors detect acid levels and these are recorded onto a computer worn around the waist.

Treatment of silent acid reflux in infants and children include:

Treatment of silent acid reflux in infants and children include:
Smaller feedings, more frequently
Keeping an infant upright for a minimum of 30 minutes after feeding
Certain medications (H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors)
Elvate their head using a special reflux pillow and Tucker Sling
(For more information about special reflux pillows and Tucker Slings, including customer comments check out Amazon here)

In some cases surgery, but only undertaken as a last resort

Treatment of silent acid reflux in adults include:

Proton pump inhibitors
H2 Blockers
Sucralfate to help protect damaged mucous membranes.
Antacids
Surgery

Home care advice for adult silent acid reflux sufferers:

Lose excess weight
Stop smoking
Avoid alcohol
Cut down on chocolate, fatty and fried foods, spicy foods, caffeine, citrus fruits, tomato based products. see Foods to Avoid with reflux
Don’t eat at least 3 hours before bedtime
Elevate head and shoulders when lying down.
(Read customer comments on reflux pillows from Amazon here)

Wear loose clothing around the waist
See How to Get Rid of Heartburn – Home Remedy Tips

Most people respond well to lifestyle and diet changes and can reduce the need for medication.

For further info, see Heartburn No More Review and Heartburn Home Remedies

Silent Acid Reflux – posted by reflux