How to Deal With Silent Reflux Disease

Silent reflux disease, otherwise known as Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), is a type of reflux that affects not only the esophagus, but also the larynx (voice box) and pharynx (throat). LPR does not present with typical acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn, so it became known as a type of silent reflux. Trying to deal with silent reflux focuses on treating the damage the disease caused and preventing it from causing any more damage by reducing stomach acid.

Instructions

• 1

  Try to stop unhealthy habits. The nicotine in cigarettes stimulates the stomach to produce more acid. Caffeine has the same effect. Alcohol is particularly bad for acid reflux because not only does it stimulate excess acid production, it also relaxes the esophageal sphincter that keeps the esophagus closed. With this muscle relaxed, acid enters the esophagus and travels upward.

• 2

  Eat to reduce acid. While most diets advise against eating complex carbohydrates, these foods are the best choice for those with acid reflux. They absorb stomach acid, preventing the excess acid that ends up in the esophagus and throat. Avoid foods that stimulate acid production such as citrus fruits, coffee, spicy foods and chocolate.

• 3

  Lose excess weight. Those extra pounds push on the stomach, forcing the acid up into the esophagus at times. Losing even a little weight helps reduce the amount of acid pushed up.

• 4

  Eat light. Instead of eating three large meals a day, try splitting up the amount of food into five or six smaller meals. The reduced amount of food in the stomach requires less acid to digest it than a larger meal.

• 5

  Use medicine. While antacids are great at preventing future damage, they don't help treat the existing damage that silent reflux caused in the past. The only type of medicines proven to help heal the esophagus are proton pump inhibitors (PPI's). These medications shut down the acid pumps in the stomach to lower the acid levels. With this consistent reduction in acid, the esophagus damage heals. Prilosec is a PPI available over the counter. For more serious cases of acid reflux, doctors use prescription PPI's.