silent acid reflux symptoms

When this condition occurs in children, symptoms include:

• Hoarseness
• Chronic cough (that usually does not get resolved with common cough medication)
• Noisy breathing (there might also be pauses in breathing)
• Trouble feeding, vomiting food while feeding

Full Answer

What does silent acid reflux feel like?

The signs of silent reflux include cough, sore throat, hoarseness, and other signs. Silent Reflux, also called Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), is a very common medical condition. Silent reflux signs include soreness, irritation, or swelling in the throat or voice box, also called the larynx.

What is the best medicine for silent acid reflux?

• Betaine Hydrochloride
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Essential Enzymes
• Magnesium Citrate
• Vitamin B12
• High Fiber Sources
• Fermented Foods

How to treat silent reflux symptoms?

To treat silent reflux through diet and lifestyle changes, follow these steps:

• Modify your diet and lifestyle to eliminate triggering foods and reduce stressors.
• Support the gut microbiome with probiotic therapy and treat pathogens in the gut (if needed).
• Increase stomach acid using betaine HCl if necessary.

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When does silent acid reflux go away?

Does silent reflux ever go away? Some people recover completely for months or years and then may have a relapse. In one way, having LPR is a little like having high blood pressure – with treatment, LPR does not usually cause serious medical problems, but without treatment, LPR can be serious, even dangerous.

How do you get rid of silent reflux?

Silent reflux treatment for adults may include these lifestyle modifications:Lose weight, if needed.Quit smoking, if you are a smoker.Avoid alcohol.Restrict chocolate, mints, fats, citrus fruits, carbonated beverages, spicy or tomato-based products, red wine, and caffeine.More items...•

What is the difference between acid reflux and silent reflux?

Silent reflux is a lesser-known form of acid reflux that can bring on various symptoms not typical of acid reflux. The difference between acid reflux and silent acid reflux is that acid reflux results in acid traveling back up the esophagus whereas with silent reflux acid moves into the pharynx, larynx, or voice box.

Does silent reflux ever go away?

Some people recover completely for months or years and then may have a relapse. In one way, having LPR is a little like having high blood pressure – with treatment, LPR does not usually cause serious medical problems, but without treatment, LPR can be serious, even dangerous.

What does silent GERD feel like?

However, silent reflux can lead to hoarseness, frequent throat-clearing, and coughing. The condition develops when the stomach acid travels back through the food pipe and reaches the back of the throat. The most common symptoms in adults include: feeling like something is stuck in the throat.

At what age does silent reflux peak?

In fact, it's estimated that more than half of all infants experience acid reflux to some degree. The condition usually peaks at age 4 months and goes away on its own between 12 and 18 months of age. It's rare for an infant's symptoms to continue past 24 months.

Can an endoscopy detect silent reflux?

A clinician may examine your throat with a scope, which is passed either through your nose or your mouth. If your doctor notes findings of redness, swelling, or mucous, she or he may diagnose you with LPR. Sometimes, further testing is needed. You may need to have an upper endoscopy, for example.

Can anxiety cause silent reflux?

Stress can worsen acid reflux symptoms, and anxiety is a natural response to stress in the body. Paradoxically, experiencing anxiety can also in itself be stressful, which can continue the cycle. There is some evidence to suggest that stress and anxiety may provoke acid reflux or make the symptoms worse.

Does Gaviscon Help silent reflux?

There are several treatments for reflux: • changing habits and diet to reduce reflux • medications to reduce stomach acid • occasionally, surgery to reduce reflux is recommended. Medications which contain alginate (such as Gaviscon Advance) are very helpful.

Can silent reflux affect lungs?

Often overlooked and misdiagnosed, silent reflux affects over 50 million Americans. The backflow of stomach acid and digestive enzymes (pepsin) can wreak havoc on your esophagus (the food passage that goes from your throat to your stomach), as well as your ears, nose, throat, vocal cords, sinuses, mouth, and lungs.

What are the 8 symptoms of GERD?

What are the symptoms of GERD (chronic acid reflux)?Heartburn.Regurgitation (food comes back into your mouth from the esophagus).The feeling of food caught in your throat.Coughing.Chest pain.Problem swallowing.Vomiting.Sore throat and hoarseness.

What are the 4 types of acid reflux?

The Four Stages of GERD and Treatment OptionsStage 1: Mild GERD. Patients experience mild symptoms once or twice a month. ... Stage 2: Moderate GERD. ... Stage 3: Severe GERD. ... Stage 4: Reflux induced precancerous lesions or esophageal cancer.

Why do I feel like I have mucus stuck in my throat all the time?

When mucus starts to build up or trickle down the back of the throat, this is known as postnasal drip. Causes of postnasal drip include infections, allergies, and acid reflux. As well as feeling the need to clear the throat frequently, a person with postnasal drip may also experience: a sore throat.

How to stop silent reflux?

Dietary and lifestyle changes that may help you prevent silent reflux include: avoiding foods that cause reflux and keeping a food diary to identify your triggers.

What are the complications of silent reflux?

It can burn and damage the tissue inside your esophagus, throat, and voice box. For adults, the most common complications of silent reflux include long-term irritation, tissue scarring, ulcers, and increased risk for certain cancers.

What causes silent reflux?

Risk factors for silent reflux include: lifestyle factors like diet, overeating, or tobacco or alcohol use. physical causes like a deformed or malfunctioning esophageal sphincter, slow emptying of the stomach, or being overweight. pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of LPR?

Common symptoms of LPR. Common symptoms of GERD. a bitter taste in your throat. heartburn. a sore throat or a burning sensation in your throat. nausea, vomiting, or regurgitation.

What kind of doctor treats silent reflux?

Also, if you have silent reflux and scarring or damage from it, your doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist. This type of doctor is also known as an ear, nose, and throat doctor. They can treat the damage caused by the reflux.

How to reduce the risk of reflux?

These lifestyle changes include: Stop eating and drinking at least three hours before you’re planning to go to sleep. Prop your head up higher when you sleep. Identify and limit or eliminate trigger foods.

Can acid reflux cause nausea?

Heartburn, chest pain, and nausea are all hallmarks of reflux. The symptoms are unmistakable. But for some people, the symptoms of reflux aren’t so obvious. In fact, they’re silent.

What are the symptoms of silent reflux?

1. Hoarseness. Silent reflux disease occurs when stomach juices come up the esophagus into the back of the throat.

What is silent reflux?

Silent reflux (clinically known as laryngopharyngeal reflux) functions fairly similarly to regular acid reflux, but the main difference is that instead of presenting with the usual heartburn, it has a whole host of other unusual symptoms. If you're experiencing strange symptoms related to your throat or breathing, which get worse after a meal, ...

Why does my throat feel like it has to be cleared?

Silent acid reflux can really make it feel like you always have to clear your throat due to the buildup of mucus. When the throat becomes inflamed, the body responds by coating it in extra mucus to protect it. 3. Constant Irritated Throat.

Can silent reflux cause ear infections?

Silent reflux may cause ear infections by sending gaseous reflux into the eustachian tube, which connects the ears to the airways. The reflux can cause inflammation to develop in the ears and lead to an infection. Children's eustachian tube aren’t fully developed so they are more prone to this. More Information.

Can silent acid reflux cause shortness of breath?

Shortness Of Breath. Another strange symptom of silent acid reflux disease is experiencing shortness of breath. This could be because of the damage it inflicts upon the esophagus and throat, but also because silent reflux directly impacts the lungs as well as the throat. 7. Post-Nasal Drip.

1. Not Sleeping Well

While you're asleep at night, stomach acid can travel back up the esophagus and stimulate the sensors in the lining of the throat, Dr. Rosen says. When this happens, the acid irritates your throat and can cause breathing problems and throat spasms. Not a nice way to wake up.

2. Sore Throat and Hoarseness

When stomach acid scorches the delicate lining of your throat, it's no wonder your pharynx will feel like it's gone up in flames.

3. Coughing and Wheezing

When acid directly interacts with the throat, you might experience respiratory symptoms such as coughing or wheezing.

4. Difficulty Swallowing

Struggling to swallow is another common symptom of silent reflux. When stomach acid contents encounter the throat and esophagus, inflammation and irritation will occur in the lining of the swallowing tube and the throat, Dr. Rosen says.

5. A Lump in the Throat

Similarly, inflammation — caused by acid exposure — can lead to a "lump in the throat" feeling or a foreign body sensation in the area, Dr. Rosen says.

1. Limit Late-Night Eating

Nixing eating late at night will reduce the risk of acid exposure. Ideally, you should wait at least two to three hours after your last meal or snack before bedtime, Dr. Rosen says.

2. Get to a Healthy Weight

Excess weight can put a lot of pressure on the stomach and force its acidic contents up into the esophagus (especially at night), Dr. Rosen says. This can be especially challenging for people with obesity.

What is silent reflux?

Silent reflux is a condition in which stomach acid causes throat discomfort, especially behind the breastbone in the middle of the trunk. It does not always cause heartburn, but it can cause damage to the throat and vocal cords. The condition is always known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). The contents of the stomach include stomach acids.

How to control silent reflux?

Many adults manage to control symptoms by adjusting their eating habits and making lifestyle changes. Medications to treat silent reflux, such as antacids, are available over the counter (OTC). These can help prevent the acid from returning to the esophagus. Some of these medications are available online.

What is reflux action?

A reflux action causes these uncomfortable sensations. Reflux refers to a backward or return flow. In LPR, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and irritates the throat. LPR can develop in infants and adults. It is treatable.

Why is LPR called silent reflux?

LPR has the name “silent reflux” due to not necessarily triggering the usual symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn. However, silent reflux can lead to hoarseness, frequent throat-clearing, and coughing. The condition develops when the stomach acid travels back through the food pipe and reaches the back of the throat.

What is reflux in the stomach?

The condition is always known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). The contents of the stomach include stomach acids. When these acids make contact with the food pipe and vocal chords, irritation, discomfort, and burning can occur. A reflux action causes these uncomfortable sensations. Reflux refers to a backward or return flow.

How do you know if you have a stomach bug?

The condition develops when the stomach acid travels back through the food pipe and reaches the back of the throat. The most common symptoms in adults include: feeling like something is stuck in the throat. hoarseness. frequent throat clearing. coughing. a bitter taste at the back of the throat. difficulty swallowing .

What to do if you have a stuck throat?

Diagnosis. A doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history. They will also carry out a physical examination and possibly some laboratory tests. An adult with persistent throat problems should see a doctor, especially if it feels as if something is stuck in the throat.

How to treat silent reflux?

Silent reflux treatment for adults may include these lifestyle modifications: Lose weight, if needed. Quit smoking, if you are a smoker. Avoid alcohol. Restrict chocolate, mints, fats, citrus fruits, carbonated beverages, spicy or tomato-based products, red wine, and caffeine.

Why is silent reflux common in infants?

Silent reflux is common in infants because their sphincters are undeveloped, they have a shorter esophagus, and they lie down much of the time. The cause in adults is not known.

Why do babies have silent reflux?

Silent reflux is common in infants because their sphincters are undeveloped, they have a shorter esophagus, and they lie down much of the time. The cause in adults is not known.

What is the ring of muscle in the esophagus?

At either end of your esophagus is a ring of muscle (sphincter). Normally, these sphincters keep the contents of your stomach where they belong -- in your stomach. But with LPR, the sphincters don't work right. Stomach acid backs up into the back of your throat (pharynx) or voice box (larynx), or even into the back of your nasal airway.

How to diagnose LPR?

Although silent reflux is harder to diagnose than GERD, a doctor can diagnose it through a combination of a medical history, physical exam, and one or more tests. Tests may include:

Where to place pH probes for reflux?

Newer pH probes placed in the back of your throat or capsules placed higher up in the esophagus may be used to better identify reflux. Treatment of LPR. Silent reflux treatment for infants and children may include: Smaller and more frequent feedings. Keeping an infant in a vertical position for at least 30 minutes after feeding.

What is the best treatment for heartburn?

Antacids to help neutralize acid; these are used more commonly for symptoms of heartburn. Some people respond well to self-care and medical management. However, others need more aggressive and lengthy treatment. If this is not effective or if symptoms recur, your doctor may suggest surgery.

What are the symptoms of silent reflux?

Silent reflux is especially common in infants. Common symptoms of silent reflux in children and infants include: 1 Persistent cough 2 Reactive airway disease ( asthma) 3 Difficulty with weight gain 4 Hoarseness 5 Loud breathing 6 Pauses in breathing 7 Trouble with feeding 8 Spitting up 9 Inhaling food

How to get rid of silent reflux?

10. Chew Gum. Chewing a piece of gum after your meal can be a quick and easy remedy to fight against silent reflux.

Why does my baby have reflux?

Silent reflux in babies and children is more prevalent because they spend more time lying down and have a shorter esophagus and undeveloped esophageal sphincters.

Why is a laryngopharyngeal reflux called silent reflux?

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is dubbed “silent reflux” because many sufferers are unaware that they have a problem and it is often left untreated. When symptoms do occur, they are sometimes confused for other conditions and misdiagnosed.

What is the name of the condition where stomach acid and digestive enzymes flow from the stomach to the laryng answer

Silent reflux, also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or extraesophageal reflux disease (EERD), is a condition in which stomach acid and digestive enzymes flow from the stomach up to the laryngopharynx, the part of your throat that is above the esophagus — the long tube that reaches from your throat down to your stomach.

Why is silent reflux not often diagnosed?

Silent reflux is incredibly common but not often diagnosed because the symptoms are sometimes attributed to other conditions and causes.

How to ease reflux symptoms?

The most effective way to ease symptoms is by by modifying your diet. For example, certain foods may relax the esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to flow into the esophagus, aggravating symptoms and worsening reflux.

What are the symptoms of reflux?

Stress – Stress, like anxiety are both side effects of social pressures and reflux medications. Burning / Dry throat – Throat pain is one of the earliest warning signs of reflux as the vocal chords and the larynx (throat) are the closest organs to the stomach.

What are the side effects of low acid?

Anxiety – Anxiety is often two fold 1. social stigmas from bad breath or hoarse / muted voice and 2. a side effect of vitamin B12 deficiency, a common side effect of long term acid reflux medication usage.

How long did Don take acid blockers?

Don was an acid reflux sufferer for more than 15 years. With several family members with the disease, and a medically diagnosed Hiatal Hernia he resigned to the fact that he would take acid blockers for the rest of his life. Dissatisfied with medical advice, he researched the root causes of acid reflux and by solving them was able to eliminate his acid reflux for good!

What happens if your stomach acidity is too low?

If acidity is too low, these muscles do not contract with sufficient pressure and will allow stomach contents to flow backward into the throat. The other two anti-reflux mechanisms are a bicarbonate (antacid solution) that is produced in your throat and saliva.

Why is it so hard to swallow with LPR?

Difficulties swallowing (dysphagia) – Many LPR sufferers experience trouble swallowing due to throat inflammation. Post Nasal Drip – Post nasal drip and mucous production is your body’s natural response to protect sensitive tissues in your nasal cavity and esophagus (throat) from acid and acid vapors.

Why does my throat taste bitter?

Bad Breath / Bitter Taste In Back of Throat – Iron, bitter or sour taste in the mouth is due to stomach contents re fluxing into the airways and mouth.

Does reflux escalate over time?

In fact, the disease tends to escalate in severity and frequency over time. This is because, at best, these medications only treat the symptom not the cause. This is a topic that I am quite passionate about because I suffered with reflux for more than 15 years.

What is silent reflux?

Breathing problem: Silent Reflux a hidden epidemic. Often overlooked and misdiagnosed, silent reflux affects over 50 million Americans. The backflow of stomach acid and digestive enzymes (pepsin) can wreak havoc on your esophagus (the food passage that goes from your throat to your stomach), as well as your ears, nose, throat, vocal cords, sinuses, ...

What makes silent reflux different from heartburn?

What makes silent reflux different than heartburn is that the silent reflux sufferer may be unaware of having it , and his or her doctor may not suspect the diagnosis. A lot of reflux is needed to damage the esophagus, but very little reflux can severely damage the more sensitive throat, sinuses and lungs.

Why did Walter Bo have hoarseness?

As a result of nighttime reflux, he had terrible morning hoarseness. This was because he had a habit of eating dinner very late and then falling asleep on the sofa. Hence, he would reflux into his throat all night.

Can reflux medication be misused?

Instead of focusing on the patient’s diet and lifestyle – the root cause of almost all reflux disease – doctors often employ pills, usually the wrong pills, that rarely correct the problem. In truth, reflux medications are grossly misused and over-used today. 3 Likes. Copy link to clipboard. Bookmark.

Do people with silent reflux have reflux?

Unfortunately, people with silent reflux symptoms, even if they ask their doctor, are usually incorrectly told they do not have reflux. The medical specialties are broken down by parts of the body, and doctors are experts in, and only test for, those parts of the body in which they specialize.

Can a doctor guess wrong about silent reflux?

Otherwise, a doctor may guess wrong and treat you for an illness that you don’t have. Some of the symptoms of silent reflux can sometimes be caused by other diseases, which doctors try to treat unsuccessfully, leaving you miserable, frustrated, and having wasted money on useless tests and drugs.

Does pepsin cause reflux?

Pepsin, in the presence of acid, digests protein and damages tissue. Outside the protected stomach, pepsin, bathed in acid, digests you! And when pepsin attacks your sensitive airway and esophageal tissues, you can suffer all kinds of problems. The most common silent reflux symptoms are hoarseness, chronic cough, throat-clearing, post-nasal drip, ...