I was finally diagnosed in 2019 after so many tests. My GP was on Medical leave so another doctor in the practice ordered all the lung tests. I had shortness of breath, extreme excess phlegm, a feeling of something stuck in my throat, small bits of food getting stuck and chest pressure. The chest x-ray, cat scan and breathing tests made me relieved but did not solve any problem. I was prescribed Prednisone and that did partially clear my throat and relieve the chest pressure but my main symptoms persisted. I tried a few home remedies which did make me feel better temporarily. Next, I made an appointment with a Cardiologist. After EKG, Echocardiogram and a nuclear stress test found nothing I did not know where to turn to.

I was thinking Allergist and decided an ENT doctor would be better first. Well he knew pretty quick what it was. Trying to make a now sceptic patient believe it could be so simple as diet related took some convincing. He put the tube through my nose to my throat and prescribed Prilosec. I scoured the Internet for LPR which I did not know existed. At that time I did not have a great diet but consumed a lot of healthy food and drank lots of water. Every morning I made smoothies for myself and my kids. Like a lot of other people Apple Cider Vinegar was a regular part of my life. If you look even now you will still see that people swear by ACV to help with their acid problems. I stopped using ACV / water mix and kept it out of my smoothies at the same time I was taking the medication. Because I read a lot online I learned my other culprits as well. My afternoon espresso and the mint candies. I didn't seem to have a problem with tomatoes as long as they weren't mixed with spicy peppers. Not every LPR sufferer will have the same triggers. My life was saved by just food changes and 8 months of Prilosec. I will say that due to this issue and also high triglycerides I completely changed my diet. I don't think you need to go to extremes but I'm now Vegan - WFPB. ACV - even the smell makes me sick and causes my throat to burn. I actually do vomit if it's in anything I eat. I don't believe I'll ever be cured but it's very rare that I have symptoms now. I really do think ACV is so bad with anyone with LPR.

Please try this cheap and simple solution. Google apple cider vinegar and LPR. Follow the guidelines. I got relief from LPR systems the first day I tried it. What have you got to lose!! I, like you, was trying to get rid of ppi’s which were doing nothing for me. Try it!!!

Before I have Bravo meter implanted (to measure acid) which requires another endoscopy, I’d like to have the transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) or the 24 hour ph-Impedance test. Unfortunately I cannot track down an ENT who performs these tests. Any advice on how to find? Keep reaching dead ends.

Thank you!

Yes, I had silent reflux a few years ago. It was a horrible, miserable experience and it took me a long time to finally get the correct diagnosis after going to many different specialists. I had a chronic cough, very sore throat, and had nasal irritation and a continuous nasal drip. Actually, I was diagnosed with acid reflux, not silent reflux, and was told to take OTC medications and a few foods to avoid - that did not work for me at all. My gastroenterologist prescribed the drug named Dexilant. It was very expensive, totally worth it, and I only took it for about 3 months. In addition, I totally eliminated foods that could possibly contribute to the reflux. I highly recommend that you get the book by Dr. Jamie A. Koufman named The Chronic Cough Enigma: How to Recognize Neurogenic and Reflux Related Cough. She provides recommended foods to avoid and a lot of other good information. I believe that she still has a practice in New York City. I hope this info is helpful to you.

I followed the guidance that was in Dr. Koufman's book. You can find a lot of valuable info on her webpage under the blog section. One of them is this article:
https://jamiekoufman.com/is-a-vegan-or-vegetarian-diet-good-for-acid-reflux/
As far as the medication, I don't remember if I had to take it on an empty stomach or not. Dexilant is a drug that you need to wean yourself off of. Fortunately, it was very effective for me.

I hope this is helpful.

Hi, I think most likely i have sient reflux/ LPR. i see a ENT this coming week. i have had the symptoms for about a year. symptoms started shortly after my galbladder surgery. i did have the 24 hour monterty ph test. which was very unpleasant but it came back negetive. i never thought i had gerd my GI at the time did cause i was overweight. but i did see a ent last summer but he was awful. at the time i was hoping my symptoms were just worsening allergies. ( i later found out it wasnt. ) but this ent said i had silent reflux but he did no kind of testing, just put that string up my nose that gives you a picture and then he started talking about surgery, etc i just looked at him strangely. i did not have a good feeling about him then basicly he gave me a script for astylin which is a very strong alergy nasal spray. his words to me was to use the astylin for 4-6 weeks. if it works its allergies if it doesnt its silent refux and basicly that was it so i never went back to him. i am hoping this new ENT i will be seeing is much better. i do have a routine i do at home just to give me temp relief. but i am hoping this new ent wil be able to let me know for sure and give me ideas better ones for me to do.

What is LPR? What coffee is goof for acid reflux....mine is silent

So, just so I understand correctly, when you have LPR, can it also reflux up as high as your frontal sinuses. Because I am also suffering from constant nasal drip, and inability to breathe through my nose, which comes and goes, and is especially bad in the eve.. If I cannot breathe through my nose, I have a anxiety attack. I have self medicated with nose spray, Mucinex, Vicks, neosinephryn, Tylenal severe sinus, humidifier, Neilmed sinus wash, and if it helps, it is only for a very short period. If this is so, why does GI tell me they have never heard of this?? Some days I just sit and cry, and pray.

The recommendation to use apple cider vinegar for silent reflux has no scientific basis and can make LPR symptoms worse. Bad advise.

Thankyou Cindy. I am going to check out Dr. Kaufman