Acid Reflux

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Author:
Patsy Hamilton

Sometimes people do not realize that acid reflux is a problem for them. This may be referred to as silent acid reflux. A prescribed silent acid reflux remedy may be no different from those prescribed for common acid reflux, but diagnosis is sometimes more difficult.

Many people believe that heartburn and acid reflux are synonymous, but in silent acid reflux, heartburn is frequently not a symptom. It may seem strange that a silent acid reflux remedy may be an antacid or other medication to prevent or reduce stomach acid, because most people think of these as heartburn remedies. But, silent acid reflux is caused by the same stomach acid that causes heartburn.

There are two different sets of sphincter muscles that normally allow food and drink to pass into the stomach and prevent stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus. Sometimes the lower set of muscles does not do the job and the stomach acid passes back up into the lower esophagus only. The lower esophagus is less sensitive to the stomach acid than is the upper esophagus, so symptoms of heartburn or those commonly associated with acid reflux may not be present. A set of different symptoms is what usually leads people to seek a doctor’s help and an acid reflux remedy is often prescribed.

The symptoms of silent acid reflux may include hoarseness or trouble talking, particularly in the morning. These symptoms are caused by stomach acid reaching and irritating the voice box. People sometimes have difficulty swallowing or excess mucus in the throat and possibly drainage from the sinuses. They may feel the need to clear their throats often or cough frequently. Because it is stomach acid that causes the symptoms, an effective silent acid reflux remedy reduces or prevents excess stomach acid.

A recent study suggests that silent acid reflux may be the cause of sleep disturbances in many people. In the study published by the American College of Gastroenterology in October 2005, 26% of the 81 patients who participated in the study suffered from silent acid reflux. This reflux caused periods of wakefulness and symptoms similar to sleep apnea. Even chronic snoring may be a result of silent acid reflux. Remedy recommended included raising the head of the bed, eating the last meal at least three hours before bedtime and avoiding alcohol in the evening. Avoiding tobacco products may also be an effective silent acid reflux remedy.

Silent acid reflux has also been found in children. In these cases, the child refluxes stomach contents and swallows them back down; meaning that the stomach acid can irritate or damage the lining of the esophagus on the way up and on the way down. If you believe that your child is suffering from silent acid reflux, you should consult your pediatrician for diagnosis and an effective acid reflux remedy.

Silent acid reflux that goes untreated for long periods of time may damage the voice box, the vocal cords and the esophagus. So, it is important to seek medical advice and an acid reflux remedy. Lifestyle and dietary changes, along with an effective acid reflux remedy may be all that is needed. If left untreated, surgery may be necessary.

For more information about silent acid reflux and other digestive problems, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com

Patsy Hamilton has more than twenty years experience as a health care professional and currently writes informational articles for the Digestive Disorders Guide. Read more at http://www.digestive-disorders-guide.com

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Acid Reflux... All About Acid Reflux Acid reflux is scientifically known as GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It is a disease characterized by the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus resulting to chronic symptoms or mucosal damage. Acid reflux is often caused by temporary or permanent alterations in the lining that separates the esophagus and the stomach. Ineffectiveness of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or a temporary LES relaxation connected with a hiatal hernia are just some of the common causes of acid reflux. The process can also lead to a backflow of gastric juices to the pharynx or mouth. Among adults, the most common symptom of acid reflux is heartburn which is caused by the presence of acid in the esophagus. Heartburn is characterized by a painful burning sensation behind the sternum or breastbone. Another symptom or manifestation of acid reflux is esophagitis which is characterized by an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus which is also known as the mucosal lining. Esophagitis also causes swallowing difficulties and chronic pains in the chest area. Sometimes, individuals suffering from acid reflux may also experience coughing, persistent pain in the ears, hoarseness or a change in the voice and even sinusitis. If acid reflux gets complicated it may lead to formation of a stricture or ulcers in the esophagus. It may also lead to a condition called Barrett's esophagus and in worst cases, to cancer of the esophagus. It doesn't mean however that a person who regularly suffers from heartburn is suffering from acid reflux. By all means, the heartburn may be from other causes. But if a person suffers from heartburn for more than once a week, then he or she is at a risk of acquiring acid reflux. Persons with hiatal...