Recognize the symptoms of stomach acid that come silent

For most people, the symptoms of acid reflux are very easy to feel immediately after eating sour or spicy foods. For example, feeling heartburn and a burning sensation in the throat when stomach acid rises. Well, it turns out that some other people don't feel any symptoms even though they are actually experiencing stomach acid reflux. Well, this condition is called reflux or laryngopharynx silent reflux . So, what are the symptoms of stomach acid that are often not realized? Here's the explanation.

What is silent reflux or laryngopharynx?

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a condition when stomach acid rises into the esophagus and falls in the voice box. This occurs because the esophageal sphincter (valve) is weakened or damaged so it doesn't close completely. As a result, food that has entered the stomach can return to the esophagus, throat, voice box, and even to the back of the nose.

LPR is also called silent reflux or silent (hidden) stomach acid reflux. The reason is, the symptoms of LPR are almost the same as the symptoms of acid reflux (GERD), but they tend not to cause heartburn or a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) and throat. This is why laryngopharyngeal reflux is often confused with other diseases that have similar symptoms.

Both women and men of all ages can experience laryngopharyngeal reflux, even babies and children. However, this risk can increase if you have the following conditions:

Unhealthy lifestyles, such as overeating, smoking and drinking alcohol
The esophageal sphincter is damaged or malfunctioning and gastric reflexes are slow
Overweight
Pregnancy

Reporting from Medical News Today, about 50 percent of people who get ulcers start from this hidden stomach acid symptom. Even the smallest amount of stomach acid that rises into your esophagus, the lining of your throat and voice box can easily become irritated. Because of this, you need to be aware of the symptoms.

What are the symptoms of acid reflux that come secretly?

As the name suggests, laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR only shows a few symptoms of acid reflux and tends to be vague. Symptoms of LPR that occur in adults include:

Bitter taste in the throat
Sore throat or burning sensation in the throat
Difficulty swallowing, feeling like something is stuck in the throat
Hoarseness
Frequent coughing
Chronic postnasal drip, a condition when there is too much mucus in the nose and throat
Asthma

Meanwhile, the symptoms of LPR in infants and children are not much different from those in adults. However, babies and children who have LPR tend to experience vomiting, have difficulty breastfeeding, and have difficulty gaining weight.

If you suspect one or two of these hidden symptoms of stomach acid, see a doctor immediately. Because if you let it go, the rising stomach acid will further irritate the lining of your esophagus, throat, and your vocal cords. This can cause scarring, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and cancer.

So how do you deal with the symptoms of acid reflux?

The main key in dealing with laryngopharyngeal reflux or symptoms of acid reflux silently is to adopt a healthy lifestyle and stay away from the risk factors. This includes:

Avoid foods that can trigger acid reflux
Lose weight if you are overweight or obese
Quit smoking
Reducing alcohol consumption
Stop eating at least three hours before bed
Sleep with your head slightly elevated, about 10-15 centimeters from the mattress

In addition, this disease can also be treated with stomach acid drugs with or without a prescription. Examples of nonprescription acid reflux drugs are antacids or H-2 blockers, which are both useful for preventing stomach acid from coming back up into the esophagus.

If an antacid or H-2 blocker doesn't work, your doctor may prescribe a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication, such as omeprazole, which can help reduce stomach acidity. So, immediately consult a doctor to deal with the symptoms of LPR stomach acid.