Silent Reflux is a condition in which stomach acid causes throat discomfort, primarily in the breastbone in the middle of the trunk. While it does not always cause heartburn, it can cause significant damage to the throat and vocal cords if left untreated. The condition is usually known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in the medical community, and occurs when stomach acid makes contact with the food pipe and vocal cords; this can cause irritation, burning and severe discomfort.
Common symptoms in adults can include hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, difficulty swallowing and swelling and irritation of the vocal cords. You may also have trouble with breathing and feel like something is stuck in your throat.
Curing silent reflux can be difficult so what can you do to make it easier?
The main steps the majority of adults take to curing the condition include making lifestyle changes and adjusting their eating habits. Following a typically bland diet is often seen as the primary way of dealing with silent reflux; foods which are low in fat, low in acid and aren’t spicy are said to be the most effective. You should avoid products such as chocolate, mints, citrus fruits, carbonated beverages, tomato-based products, red wine, and caffeine. This will give your throat a bit of time to recover, and consuming products such as chicken, eggs and goats milk will help cure you in an easier fashion. You should also stop eating at least three hours before you go to bed in order to give your body the best chance of recovering.
Avoiding drinking alcohol and using tobacco is also strongly advised. These can both be harmful to your body even without Silent Reflux, and cutting them out until you are completely cured will make things a whole lot easier. Your throat won’t be under as much pressure and will therefore heal quicker.
Over-the-counter medications can also be of great use when seeking to make your recovery period much easier. Antacids, stomach acid reducers and proton pump inhibitors have all been shown to have a positive effect when it comes to dealing with Silent Reflux. Make sure you take all medications as directed, however; you need to make sure you’re making yourself better and not worse. After all, your goal is to make curing the condition easier, not harder.
Raising the head of your bed before sleeping is also a common practice which can make things much easier for you. Placing a strong, solid object under the top portion of your mattress will help to prop up your head and the upper portion of your body, stopping stomach acid from backing up into your throat. This will make curing Silent Reflux much easier and will give you a much more comfortable sleep, which is always key when you’re looking to cure any disease or condition.
