Symptoms And Treatment For Silent RefluxLaryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) that affects the throat and voice box is known more commonly as silent reflux. In this form of reflux disease the above organs are affected rather than the more usual heartburn in esophageal reflux. Although coughing is a common symptom in both acid reflux and LPR, in silent reflux it affects the throat area at a higher level than the upper esophageal sphincter is located at. The reflux is silent because the acid regurgitates up into the throat so fast that not much time is available for damage to occur to the protection-lined esophagus cells. Moreover, the throat is not as protected as the esophagus is and therefore damage to it is immediate and more comprehensive. Silent reflux is characterized by chronic cough, regurgitation, asthma-like symptoms, consistent mucous in the throat, and sometimes even a sour/bitter taste in the mouth. A burning sensation with soreness in the throat and hoarseness with possible loss of voice are some other symptoms of silent reflux. Difficulty in swallowing, pain or infection in the ears, nausea, post-nasal drip and even heartburn are some other symptoms of severe LPR. A patient, who suffers LPR, can display some of the above symptoms. If you believe that you are suffering LPR, the most important thing to do is to visit an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist after a preliminary examination by your family doctor. He will examine your throat by inserting an endoscope into it via your mouth to visualize the condition of the throat internal tissue. This examination together with dual pH probe or barium swallow will help the ENT specialist in confirming an LPR diagnosis. Treatment will follow successful diagnosis of silent reflux. The goal of treatment is to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and to provide relief from the damage causing symptoms. Lifestyle changes involving dietary and food-related behavior modification are typically used methods in the treatment of LPR. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are also used as medicines to reduce acid formation in the stomach. In case the symptoms of LPR are very severe doctors may go in for surgical treatment. However, most other cases do not warrant surgery. Therefore, standard LPR diets together with PPIs are used in combination along with some precautions to relieve you from LPR. The strategy behind silent reflux treatment is to avoid an abundance of acid formation and acid regurgitation as much as possible. This is implemented through strict compliance of sleeping procedures, avoidance of certain foods, smoking, and alcohol. You can also avoid extra abdominal pressure and regurgitation of acid caused by it by not wearing tight clothes. Following the silent reflux treatment plan strictly through its entire course is the best way for you to avoid a relapse of LPR. |