A Blog to help you.
Different Blog Posts to understand and stop acid reflux (GERD & LPR).
A Blog to help you.
Different Blog Posts to understand and stop acid reflux (GERD & LPR).
Laryngopharyngeal reflux, also referred to as "silent reflux," is a potential complication that can arise in those with chronic heartburn and acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A malfunction of the sphincter muscle located at the end of the esophagus can cause gastric acid to back up into the throat, larynx, or even the nasal passage, inflaming these areas that are not equipped to resist gastric acid.
Infants are more prone to experiencing silent reflux as a result of their less developed sphincter muscles, shorter esophagus, and tendency to spend a significant amount of time in a reclined position. Symptoms of silent reflux in adults differ from those of GERD since the acid is directed to the larynx instead of the esophagus, which makes diagnosis more challenging because the symptoms manifest as coughing.
One of the possible complications of silent reflux is microaspiration and consequent infections or respiratory problems. In a study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society, it was shown that:
“Microaspiration, or silent aspiration, is commonly suspected in patients with refractory respiratory symptoms. Our clinical review examines some of the evidence supporting reflux-aspiration as a mechanism for several chronic respiratory disorders”.
Silent reflux and GERD are two conditions that share similar symptoms but have some important differences.
Silent reflux occurs when stomach contents reflux into the esophagus, but do not cause obvious symptoms such as heartburn or chest pain. Instead, symptoms may include chronic coughing, wheezing, hoarseness, or throat irritation. These symptoms are due to irritation of the esophagus and throat tissue caused by repeated exposure to gastric acid and other stomach contents.
On the other hand, GERD is a chronic disease caused by frequent reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus. Symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, chronic coughing, and hoarseness. In the long term, acid reflux can damage the esophagus and increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
Because of the multiple possible etiologies for respiratory and laryngeal symptoms, establishing laryngopharyngeal reflux as the cause based on symptoms alone is unreliable. Laryngoscopic findings such as erythema, edema, laryngeal granulomas, and inter arytenoid hypertrophy have been used to establish a diagnosis.
However, these findings are not specific at all and have been described in most asymptomatic subjects who undergo laryngoscopy. Enhancement with acid suppression therapy has been proposed as a diagnostic tool, but studies have shown that the reaction to such therapy in empirical trials is often disappointing.
Before a diagnosis can be made, the physician will need to take down the patient's medical history and ask for details about the symptoms the patient is experiencing. Next, the physician will need to perform a physical examination with special concentration on the head and neck.
The physician may need to use a specialized fiber-optic camera. This is gently inserted into the patient's throat while displaying images on a monitor. This allows the physician a clearer look at the throat and especially the larynx. Telltale signs include redness, swelling, and obvious irritation. The doctor can study reflux through different diagnostic tests:
Treatment for silent reflux involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to reduce symptoms and prevent long-term damage to the esophagus. In most cases, the combination of dietary and hygienic combination of medications achieves symptom remission. However, it is important for a physician to determine the best treatment plan for each individual situation.
Diet is one of the most effective tools for reducing symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux. It is important to follow a low-acid diet to avoid throat irritation. Some recommended foods include melon, celery, banana, and green leafy vegetables. On the other hand, spicy or fried foods, fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, cheese, garlic, or mint should be avoided.
In addition to food, certain beverages can aggravate the symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux, such as coffee, carbonated beverages, and alcohol. Their consumption is discouraged and their replacement with water or non-caffeinated beverages is suggested.
It is important not only to consider what foods and beverages are consumed but also how they are consumed. Eating slowly, chewing food well, avoiding large meals, and avoiding lying down immediately after eating can help reduce symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux. In addition, it is recommended to eat early in the day and avoid eating too close to bedtime.
Stress is an aggravating factor for laryngopharyngeal reflux, so it is recommended to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to help reduce stress levels. In addition, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking are suggested to reduce symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux.
Scientists at the University of Vienna described in a recent study that most overweight people are prone to this disease.
“Silent reflux affects a majority of asymptomatic patients with morbid obesity prior to primary bariatric surgery”.
Pharmacological treatment is effective in mitigating the symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux. In particular, proton pump inhibitors are the most effective because they significantly reduce the amount of gastric acid. Among these, omeprazole stands out. In addition, other drugs such as antacids or histamine antagonists are also frequently used. In some cases, prokinetic drug therapy may be used.
A paper in the prestigious journal JAMA proposes that in cases where laryngopharyngeal reflux is associated with GERD, surgical management may be beneficial:
“The subgroup of patients with extraesophageal GERD, which included patients with silent reflux, symptomatic response to antireflux medications was associated with response to surgical therapies”.
ABOUT ME
Hasan
Hello, my name is Hasan. With the german version of my REFLUX FORMULA I helped over thousands of people from Germany, Austria and Swiss, to cured their silent reflux symptoms.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux, also referred to as "silent reflux," is a potential complication that can arise in those with chronic heartburn and acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A malfunction of the sphincter muscle located at the end of the esophagus can cause gastric acid to back up into the throat, larynx, or even the nasal passage, inflaming these areas that are not equipped to resist gastric acid.
Infants are more prone to experiencing silent reflux as a result of their less developed sphincter muscles, shorter esophagus, and tendency to spend a significant amount of time in a reclined position. Symptoms of silent reflux in adults differ from those of GERD since the acid is directed to the larynx instead of the esophagus, which makes diagnosis more challenging because the symptoms manifest as coughing.
One of the possible complications of silent reflux is microaspiration and consequent infections or respiratory problems. In a study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society, it was shown that:
“Microaspiration, or silent aspiration, is commonly suspected in patients with refractory respiratory symptoms. Our clinical review examines some of the evidence supporting reflux-aspiration as a mechanism for several chronic respiratory disorders”.
Silent reflux and GERD are two conditions that share similar symptoms but have some important differences.
Silent reflux occurs when stomach contents reflux into the esophagus, but do not cause obvious symptoms such as heartburn or chest pain. Instead, symptoms may include chronic coughing, wheezing, hoarseness, or throat irritation. These symptoms are due to irritation of the esophagus and throat tissue caused by repeated exposure to gastric acid and other stomach contents.
On the other hand, GERD is a chronic disease caused by frequent reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus. Symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, chronic coughing, and hoarseness. In the long term, acid reflux can damage the esophagus and increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
Because of the multiple possible etiologies for respiratory and laryngeal symptoms, establishing laryngopharyngeal reflux as the cause based on symptoms alone is unreliable. Laryngoscopic findings such as erythema, edema, laryngeal granulomas, and inter arytenoid hypertrophy have been used to establish a diagnosis.
However, these findings are not specific at all and have been described in most asymptomatic subjects who undergo laryngoscopy. Enhancement with acid suppression therapy has been proposed as a diagnostic tool, but studies have shown that the reaction to such therapy in empirical trials is often disappointing.
Before a diagnosis can be made, the physician will need to take down the patient's medical history and ask for details about the symptoms the patient is experiencing. Next, the physician will need to perform a physical examination with special concentration on the head and neck.
The physician may need to use a specialized fiber-optic camera. This is gently inserted into the patient's throat while displaying images on a monitor. This allows the physician a clearer look at the throat and especially the larynx. Telltale signs include redness, swelling, and obvious irritation. The doctor can study reflux through different diagnostic tests:
Treatment for silent reflux involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to reduce symptoms and prevent long-term damage to the esophagus. In most cases, the combination of dietary and hygienic combination of medications achieves symptom remission. However, it is important for a physician to determine the best treatment plan for each individual situation.
Diet is one of the most effective tools for reducing symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux. It is important to follow a low-acid diet to avoid throat irritation. Some recommended foods include melon, celery, banana, and green leafy vegetables. On the other hand, spicy or fried foods, fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, cheese, garlic, or mint should be avoided.
In addition to food, certain beverages can aggravate the symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux, such as coffee, carbonated beverages, and alcohol. Their consumption is discouraged and their replacement with water or non-caffeinated beverages is suggested.
It is important not only to consider what foods and beverages are consumed but also how they are consumed. Eating slowly, chewing food well, avoiding large meals, and avoiding lying down immediately after eating can help reduce symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux. In addition, it is recommended to eat early in the day and avoid eating too close to bedtime.
Stress is an aggravating factor for laryngopharyngeal reflux, so it is recommended to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to help reduce stress levels. In addition, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking are suggested to reduce symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux.
Scientists at the University of Vienna described in a recent study that most overweight people are prone to this disease.
“Silent reflux affects a majority of asymptomatic patients with morbid obesity prior to primary bariatric surgery”.
Pharmacological treatment is effective in mitigating the symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux. In particular, proton pump inhibitors are the most effective because they significantly reduce the amount of gastric acid. Among these, omeprazole stands out. In addition, other drugs such as antacids or histamine antagonists are also frequently used. In some cases, prokinetic drug therapy may be used.
A paper in the prestigious journal JAMA proposes that in cases where laryngopharyngeal reflux is associated with GERD, surgical management may be beneficial:
“The subgroup of patients with extraesophageal GERD, which included patients with silent reflux, symptomatic response to antireflux medications was associated with response to surgical therapies”.
ABOUT ME
Hasan
Hello, my name is Hasan. With the german version of my Reflux Formula, I helped over thousands of people from Germany, Austria and Swiss to cured their silent reflux symptoms.
