GERD is a common disorder caused by backflow of stomach acid, which can damage the mucous membrane of the esophagus. But what is Silent GERD What are the main symptoms and causes and how can it be treated?

What is silent GERD

Silent reflux, or laryngopharyngeal reflux, is a pathological condition caused by the transmission of acid from the stomach to the esophagus and down to the throat, which may lead to a feeling of discomfort in the throat area, without the occurrence of common heartburn. The researchers found that a large percentage of GERD patients belong to this type.

The difference between silent reflux and gastroesophageal reflux

Silent reflux is so named because it may not cause common GERD symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion. While in the case of silent reflux, one of its most prominent symptoms may be a hoarseness of the voice, especially when waking up in the morning, as a result of acid moving up the throat when lying down.

Causes of silent reflux

Anyone can get silent GERD, but some health factors may make some people more likely to develop silent GERD than others. Among the most important of these factors:

• Hiatal hernia
• Lower esophageal valve problems
• slow stomach emptying

The researchers also discovered that symptoms of silent GERD and high blood pressure appeared simultaneously. Where high blood pressure patients who take medications such as calcium channel blockers, are more at risk of developing silent reflux.

As for the risk factors related to lifestyle, Among them are the following:

• Eating too much
• Excessive intake of fatty and spicy foods
• Excessive drinking of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
• Smoking habit
• Overweight and suffering from obesity
• Wearing tight clothes around the abdomen
• Lying down immediately after eating

Those who use their voices loudly and frequently, such as teachers and singers, may be among the most vulnerable to infection. This condition can also develop during pregnancy.

Symptoms of silent reflux esophagitis

Silent reflux may lead to symptoms such as hoarseness and coughing. The situation has developed when stomach acid returns again through the food pipe to reach the back of the throat.

The most common symptoms of silent GERD in adults include:

• Hoarseness
• difficulty swallowing
• Cough
• Breathing difficulty
• Feeling as if something is stuck in the throat
• A bitter taste in the back of the throat
• Tooth decay and discoloration
• The enamel that protects the teeth may also erode, which may cause brittle teeth

Complications of silent reflux symptoms

If silent reflux is neglected or delayed, this may lead to health complications such as:

• Damage to the vocal cords
• Lung disorders
• worsening of asthma;
• Recurrent pneumonia
• Frequent sore throat
• Chronic cough
• Laryngeal cancer (in some rare cases)

Silent GERD in infants

As for the symptoms of silent reflux in infants and children, it included the following:

• Cough
• Hoarseness
• vomiting
• overweight
• Growth problems
• sore throat
• ear infection
• Skin turns blue
• Facing feeding difficulties
• Hear breathing clearly

Therefore, in the event that any of the aforementioned symptoms appear in infants or children, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Reflux esophagitis in the elderly

Silent GERD is the most common upper gastrointestinal disorder in the elderly. Although elderly patients with it may have fewer symptoms, such as a reduced complaint of heartburn, their disease is more severe.

The elderly become more susceptible to more esophageal and extra-esophageal complications, which may be life-threatening. Possible symptoms in the elderly:

• Chest pain similar to angina
• Laryngitis
• Chronic cough and asthma
• esophageal stenosis
• Dental problems
• Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus
• Barrett’s esophagus

Also, various medications that the elderly may take frequently for co-morbid diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, lung disease, arthritis, and depression, may reduce the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter. Among the types of these drugs:

• Nitrates and calcium channel blockers
• benzodiazepines;
• anticholinergics;
• Antidepressants

Although the process of evaluating and treating GERD is generally the same in adults and the elderly, there are some specific points related to the evaluation and management of the disease that the doctor may consider when dealing with the elderly.

Silent GERD treatment

Symptoms of silent GERD in adults can be treated by following a healthy diet and taking medications that the doctor may prescribe for treatment, such as the following:

• Antacids: Which may help prevent acid reflux into the esophagus.
• H2 blockers: Which is considered a form of antihistamine, especially if the person suffers from coughing in the night hours.
• Proton pump inhibitor: In the event that antacids are ineffective in the case, the doctor may prescribe a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole, which is usually used for a period ranging from 4 to 6 weeks in order to reduce acidity.

Silent GERD patients usually feel an improvement in symptoms in a period ranging between two to three months from the date of treatment, but in some cases treatment may take 6 months or more until symptoms improve and hoarseness disappears.

Silent reflux treatment in children

Reflux is a common condition in children up to one year of age. This condition does not require treatment, except in the event of difficulty breathing or difficulty in feeding. Which will be determined by the attending physician, along with determining the diet and medications appropriate to the age of the child.

In cases of severe reflux, it may become necessary to feed the child through the tube, with the possibility of the doctor resorting to a surgical procedure in the absence of an effective treatment for the condition.

Diet for silent reflux patients

Most cases of silent reflux do not require medical attention, and can only be treated with lifestyle changes. Where it is usually recommended that some nutritional recommendations should be followed for patients with GERD, such as:

1. Drink more fluids such as water and herbal tea.
2. Avoid foods that contain mint or mint flavoring.
3. Avoid eating fatty and fried foods, foods and drinks that may increase acidity, such as citrus fruits and soft drinks.
4. Chew food well with small meals.
5. Follow a light diet that is low in fat and free of spicy foods.
6. Avoid exercising at least two hours after eating.
7. Eliminate obesity and maintain a healthy weight.
8. Avoid eating at least two hours before going to bed.
9. Work to elevate the head and upper body when sleeping or lying down.