Silent reflux - could you have it?
About silent reflux
Not many people know about silent reflux, or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). It's caused by the backward flow of stomach acid and enzymes affecting the lower part of your throat and voice box.
It can occur on infants, children and adults, and is resolvable. But symptoms may not be obvious and recognisable as normal reflux (heartburn) or GERD, even though they can be serious.
In adults…
Coughing
Hoarseness
Throat clearing
Sore throat, mucousy throat
Post nasal drip
Bitter taste in the mouth
Throat lump
Difficult swallowing (dysphagia)
Irritated vocal cords and larynx
Asthma
In infants and children…
Coughing, hoarseness
Spitting up food
Asthma
Difficulty gaining weight
Loud breathing, pauses in breathing
Inhaling food, spitting up food
Feeding issues
Vomiting
Ear infections
What are the causes of silent reflux?
Low stomach acid
An H Pylori stomach infection
Food sensitivities
Histamine intolerance
Gut dysbiosis (imbalances, infections)
SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
Hiatal hernia
Insulin resistance
What can you do about silent reflux?
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet i.e. cut or reduce gluten, sugar and refined carbs (flours), processed dairy, processed vegetable oils. Also, add in a wide variety of vegetables and lower sugar fruits like berries, apple, citrus; well-sourced proteins; healthy fats like olive and coconut oil, butter, ghee
Avoid foods you’re sensitive to. If unknown, get tested, or trial food elimination
Take Betaine HCl with meals, or sip apple cider vinegar just before you eat. You may need to do some gut healing first
Resolve gut infections, which will require stool and/or breath testing
Drink chamomile tea
As always, reduce and manage stress e.g. with yoga, breathwork, being in nature, mindfulness, meditation, dance, exercise etc.