Silent reflux, also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), is a type of reflux that doesn’t cause typical heartburn symptoms.

Instead, the acid backs up into the larynx and causes throat irritation, chronic cough, hoarseness, or a feeling of something being stuck in the throat.

What are the Symptoms of Silent Reflux?

The following are the typical symptoms of silent reflux:.

1. Throat irritation

Throat irritation is the hallmark of LPR. You might feel a tickling or scratchy sensation in your throat, or maybe a feeling of mucus buildup that won’t go away.

2. Chronic cough

A chronic cough that doesn’t respond to conventional cough medication is another symptom of silent reflux. The cough can worsen at night or after eating or talking.

3. Hoarseness

If your voice has become hoarse or raspy, it could be a sign of LPR. The acidity from the reflux irritates and inflames the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness.

4. Globus sensation (feeling of something stuck in the throat)

Many people with LPR say that they feel like they have a “lump” in their throat. This sensation can be very frightening, but it’s usually not a cause for concern.

What Causes Silent Reflux?

The exact cause of LPR is not known, but experts believe that it is caused by the malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach.

When the LES doesn’t close completely, stomach acid and digestive enzymes can back up into the larynx, causing irritation and inflammation.

Other factors that can contribute to LPR include:.

1. Obesity

Being overweight can put extra pressure on the stomach and LES, making it more likely that acid will reflux into the larynx.

2. Hiatal hernia

A hiatal hernia is a condition in which the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through a hole in the diaphragm. This can weaken the LES and lead to the reflux of gastric contents into the larynx.

3. Eating habits

Eating large meals, especially before bedtime, can increase the risk of LPR. Eating spicy or fatty foods can also trigger reflux.

4. Alcohol and tobacco use

Alcohol and tobacco use can irritate the larynx and contribute to reflux.

5. Stress

Stress can increase the levels of stress hormones in the body, which can have a negative effect on the LES and contribute to reflux.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Silent Reflux

If you have symptoms of silent reflux, your doctor may perform a physical exam and recommend diagnostic tests, such as:.

1. pH monitoring

A pH probe test involves inserting a thin, flexible tube into the esophagus to measure the level of acid exposure.

2. Endoscopy

An endoscopy is a procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera at the end is inserted through the mouth and into the esophagus and stomach to observe the lining and check for any abnormalities.

3. Barium swallow

A barium swallow involves drinking a liquid that coats the esophagus and stomach and taking X-rays to see the movement of the liquid and detect any abnormalities.

Treatment for silent reflux may include:.

1. Lifestyle changes

Eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, quitting smoking, and reducing stress can all help to reduce symptoms of silent reflux.

2. Medications

Medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help to reduce the production of stomach acid and relieve symptoms of silent reflux.

3. Surgery

In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the LES or strengthen the muscles of the diaphragm.

Preventing Silent Reflux

The following are some tips for preventing silent reflux:.

1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals

Overeating can increase the risk of reflux. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help to prevent symptoms.

2. Avoid trigger foods

Spicy, fatty, and acidic foods can all trigger reflux. Avoiding these foods can help to prevent symptoms.

3. Quit smoking

Smoking can irritate the larynx and contribute to reflux. Quitting smoking is an important step in preventing silent reflux.

4. Reduce stress

Stress can increase the levels of stress hormones in the body, which can have a negative effect on the LES and contribute to reflux. Practicing stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing or yoga can help to reduce symptoms of silent reflux.

Conclusion

Silent reflux is a type of reflux that can cause throat irritation, chronic cough, hoarseness, or a feeling of something being stuck in the throat.

It is caused by the malfunctioning of the LES, a muscular valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. Treatment for silent reflux may include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery. Preventing silent reflux involves eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding trigger foods, quitting smoking, and reducing stress.