When people think about the symptoms of acid reflux, burning chest pain is typically the first one to come to mind. However, some people experience chronic reflux that occurs multiple times a week but never experience heartburn.
This condition is referred to as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), also known as silent reflux.
What Causes Laryngopharyngeal Reflux?
LPR is similar to gastroesophageal reflux disease in that stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus. However, in LPR, the stomach acid continues to rise up into the back of the throat. This is why many sufferers of the condition don’t experience heartburn as a primary symptom.
Symptoms of Silent Reflux
Even though people with silent reflux don’t experience heartburn, they still have numerous other symptoms. Common signs of LPR include:
- Sore throat
- Feeling a lump in the back of your throat or needing to clear your throat frequently
- Chronic cough
- Postnasal drip
- Hoarseness (it’s estimated that 55% of patients visiting otolaryngology clinics with hoarseness have LPR.)
- Respiratory problems like wheezing due to acid irritating your airway
- Tooth decay
The Importance of Treating Silent Reflux
It’s important to make an appointment with a medical provider if you experience symptoms of silent reflux. Not only can untreated reflux interfere with your sleep and overall feeling of well-being, but it can lead to more serious health issues like ulcers on the vocal cords, worsening of asthma and other breathing disorders, and may increase your risk of developing cancer of the voice box.
Treatment Options
After your doctor has reviewed your symptoms and performed any potential diagnostic tests, they will work with you to come up with a treatment plan that may include a combination of lifestyle changes and medications.
Diet can play a huge role in silent reflux. Your doctor may recommend eliminating foods that are fried, spicy, citrusy and high in fat. They may also suggest removing or minimizing your alcohol and caffeine intake as well. You’ll also want to make sure to stock up on leafy greens, high-fiber foods and lean protein when you’re grocery shopping or visiting Market Square Farmers Market, as these foods should not aggravate reflux and may even help your symptoms.
Other treatments and lifestyle remedies include:
- Taking proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid production
- Quitting smoking
- Elevating the head of your bed when you sleep
- Stopping eating at least three hours before bed
- Sleeping on your left side
- Eating smaller meals
For more information about silent reflux or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, contact Foothills ENT today.