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How to get a grip on, and control the silent reflux

Heart burn is of two types. One is when you are full of rage, envy and loathing and the other sort is in which eating spicy food is followed by burning sensation in the chest region. The first thing that people do when they feel this burning sensation in their chest is to get an antacid. But in most cases antacids are just temporary fix. The chronic heart burn is a result of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

Woman about to chuck

In this condition, the half digested food again comes up through the esophagus. Esophagus is the tube which connects your throat and the stomach and helps in transporting food that you eat. There is another type of less known reflux disease called LPR. Understanding the reasons and symptoms will help you in curbing this condition.

Causes of silent reflux diseases

Woman holding his throat in pain isolated on white background

Approximate 20% US citizens are suffering from GERD but LPR or Laryngopharyngeal reflux affects a major number of people. In many cases the afflicted persons are not aware what disease they are suffering from. Wrong diagnosis or misinterpretation of symptoms can lead to improper treatment causing more damage than good.

Patients who are affected by Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease may feel as if something has got stuck at the back of their throats or even find it difficult to swallow. Patients also have to cough often to clear their throat. The condition of patients who are already suffering from sleep apnea or asthma may worsen due to LPR.

expressive portrait of woman who has chest pain

As most patients who have LPR do not suffer from indigestion or heart burn they mistakenly consider their problems to be results of allergy attacks, sinus or pulmonary issue.

The main cause of LPR is damaged lower esophageal which is a necessary muscle for separating the esophagus from the abdomen. The lower esophageal can get debilitated due to age or overeating. Too much stomach fat or a heavy meal can push back parts of your meal up the esophagus.

Droplets of half digested food will also intrude the upper air canals and cause inflammation. If not treated and controlled on time this disease can lead to esophageal cancer. For diagnosing this disease the doctor will need to check the medical history of the patient and also ask several health and lifestyle related questions.

Find out the root triggers and eliminate them

Chilli con carne cooked in the pan

Most diseases stem from some root causes or triggers. The main causes which can result in LPR include consumption of fried, spicy or citrus foods. Also try to avoid all processed foods, alcohol, caffeine and tomato based foods. Do not go to sleep just after having a heavy and spicy meal.

If you eat when you are already full then the food you consume may come back up through the esophagus. Stress can cause loss of magnesium. Magnesium is a necessary mineral for relaxing the sphincter which helps in letting the food pass down to the stomach. Eat magnesium rich foods like leafy vegetables.

Chronic stress can also lead to LPR so try to relax whenever possible and use strategies for unburdening your mind.

Tips for controlling silent reflux

Young woman taking a breakfast cereal at home

Maintain an easy to digest and healthy diet. Avoid overeating or binging on spicy foods. If you are under a lot of stress then take five deep breaths before you actually start having a meal. This helps digestion by relaxing the mind.

Avoid all foods from which you think you have allergy. You can take the help of your physician for determining which foods are bad for you. Gluten and dairy products are often known to cause trouble for people suffering from silent reflux. Eat your dinner at least 3 hours prior to going to bed.

If you are in doubt if you have got silent reflux disease or not then get yourself checked by an experienced doctor. Avoid spicy food and have your dinner early to avoid heart burn during night.

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