Silent reflux is when acid back-flows from the stomach to the throat continuously. The effect of this condition often leads to certain symptoms. Some of these symptoms are severe, while some are common and minor.
There are no standard diagnoses and treatments for reflux. This results from the varying symptoms that occur when a person has reflux.
Despite the challenges involved in diagnosing silent reflux, new studies have shown some significant improvements. Read on to learn about some of the diagnostic improvements for silent reflux.
Aside from the symptoms, pinpointing the cause of the conditions also plays a major role in determining the treatment for the reflux condition. Most times, when the cause of a condition is not determined, getting the best treatment for it becomes difficult.
There have been arguments on the exact cause of silent reflux, and many people believe that it is caused by excess or little acid in the stomach. Stomach acid may seem like the cause of reflux, but it isn’t. Rather, it is a major factor that enhances or intensifies the effects of the condition. The big question is: The role of stomach acid in reflux – too much or too little? Read on to learn about the actual causes of silent reflux.
What is silent reflux?
It is important to note that silence reflux is not the only reflux condition. There are other reflux conditions, but this article focuses on silent reflux. Silent reflux is a condition in which stomach acid flows back to the oesophagus into the larynx and throat.
Larynx: Larynx is a hollow tube in the middle of the neck popularly known as the voice box. It makes it possible for us to make sounds. We had to define the larynx to help you understand silent reflux.
Causes of silent reflux
Contrary to what most people think, stomach acid is not the cause of silent reflux. Silent reflux occurs when you have weakened oesophagal sphincters. A weakened oesophagal sphincter makes the acid from the stomach backflow to the throat, and this, in turn, causes irritations, pain, and other symptoms.
The role of stomach acid in reflux is undeniably significant, but it can not be classified as one of the causes of reflux whether it is too much or too little. The main question should be : What causes a weakened oesophagal sphincter? Factors like lifestyle (smoking and drinking), diet(not eating healthy), medications, body size (obesity), etc. can cause a weakened oesophagal sphincter.
The symptoms of reflux are not standard like most conditions. They sometimes vary based on the individual or cause of the condition. These symptoms play a major role during diagnosis.
Diagnosis of Silent Reflux
Diagnosis of silent reflux is not as difficult and unpredictable as it used to be. New studies and diagnostic improvements for silent reflux are welcome progress in the health world that will bring about many positive outcomes.
Silent reflux can be diagnosed through various methods, namely:
- Physical examination: This is a major diagnostic method. A series of tests will be carried out to determine the severity of the condition and the visible effects.
- Discussion of symptoms: Most conditions can be diagnosed just by their symptoms, but it is not that easy with silent reflux. However, the new diagnostic improvements make it easier. All that is needed from you is an accurate description of the symptoms you are experiencing.
- Medical history: Reviewing your medical history will help the doctor determine whether you have silent reflux.
Some additional tests or diagnosis methods may include the following:
- Endoscopy: This test involves viewing the inside of your throat with a long tube that has light and camera at its tip.
- Acid reflux test: The acid reflux test is carried out to determine the amount of acid in the oesophagus.
- Swallowing study: In this procedure, the doctor studies and evaluates how you swallow and how⁶6 what You swallowed passes the oesophagus. The procedure is watched on x-ray.
Each of these procedures is delicate and is meant to be carried out by professionals. Any wrong move can lead to severe accidents.
What is the treatment for silent reflux?
The treatment is based on the symptoms and nature of the condition. Some treatments may require surgery, change of lifestyle, weight loss, and medications. Some of the medications are alginate therapy, antacids, proton pump inhibitors, etc.
The first step to treating silent reflux is visiting a trusted practitioner. Self diagnosis and medication are never a good option
Conclusion
Diagnoses have been made easier with the new improvements. Newer studies and opportunities are more likely to come up in the future, and there will be better improvements.
Always remember that staying healthy is a top priority. Ensure that you visit a doctor once you start experiencing any silent reflux symptoms.
