Silent Acid Reflux
Silent acid reflux is a condition similar to acid reflux; however, silent acid reflux lacks symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. While silent acid reflux is more common in children, silent acid reflux in adults can also occur. Because normal acid reflux, or GERD, is usually accompanied with symptoms, knowing the unique symptoms of silent acid reflux is essential.
What is silent acid reflux?
Silent acid reflux is acid reflux that lacks the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. The lack of well-known symptoms can make it hard to diagnose. In normal GERD, the lower sphincter doesn’t close tightly, allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus. In silent acid reflux, two different sphincters fail to work properly. This causes the stomach acid to spread farther throughout the body.
What are the symptoms of silent acid reflux?
Silent acid reflux lacks many of the traditional symptoms of acid reflux such as regurgitation or indigestion. If left untreated, silent acid reflux can cause serious health issues. That’s why it’s essential to diagnose and treat silent acid reflux in adults. Common symptoms in adults include:
- Throat clearing
- Lump in the throat
- Hoarseness
- Trouble swallowing
- Chronic coughing
- Trouble breathing
The symptoms of silent acid reflux in children differ from the symptoms of silent acid reflux in adults. For children, common silent acid reflux symptoms include trouble gaining weight, frequent spitting up, and noisy breathing. If you have children, carefully check them for these symptoms. Young children are still developing strength in their sphincters and are more prone to silent reflux.
What causes silent acid reflux?
Silent acid reflux is caused by a weakness in two different sphincters in the body allowing stomach acid to flow to other areas of the body. These other areas, such as your esophagus and voice box, are not well-protected against the harshness of stomach acid. The stomach acid then causes irritation and inflammation to occur. A variety of different factors, such as smoking habits, diet, and weight, can cause silent reflux to occur in adults. For children, silent acid reflux can occur because their bodies are still developing and they spend the majority of their day lying down.
How is silent acid reflux treated?
There are a number of ways that silent acid reflux is treated. Many times, silent acid reflux in adults can be treated using simple dietary and lifestyle changes. Occasionally, medicine or surgery might be recommended by a doctor as well. Certain home remedies are also recommended, such as chewing gum or trying ginger supplements. Some other common ways to treat silent acid reflux in adults include:
- Following a silent reflux diet that avoids fatty, acidic foods
- Losing weight
- Quitting smoking
- Not eating meals close to bedtime
- Eating smaller meals more frequently
- Avoiding clearing your throat
- Consuming stomach acid reducers, such as Tums
If left untreated, silent acid reflux can cause ulcers, a chronic cough, and even cancer to occur. Be sure to closely monitor any symptoms that you experience and contact a doctor if lifestyle changes or switching to a silent reflux diet don’t help improve your condition.
Why Omeprazole (Generic Prilosec) is your best treatment option for acid reflux
With moderate to severe cases of acid reflux, making simple lifestyle and dietary changes may not be enough to curb your symptoms. The good news? Prescription drug Omeprazole has been proven to be incredibly effective treatment, alleviating all symptoms!
Take control of your treatment by speaking with one of our online doctors today. They can help you discuss your best course of action, including prescription medication Omeprazole.
The best part? Omeprazole works the same as brand name acid reflux medications—at a fraction of the cost! It works by reducing stomach acid, effectively preventing recurring episodes of acid reflux. Plus, most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, can safely take Omeprazole.
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Acid reflux is incredibly bothersome & inconvenient. While diet & lifestyle changes may help, your best option to treat acid reflux is to speak with a doctor.
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