Silent Reflux or LPR

Drinking Apple cider vinegar is like pouring acid down your throat, very bad!

I had this ph test done for a 24 hr period. I was sent home after they put down the tube and returned after 24 hours to have it removed. It's not pleasant because you feel it, but you can get through it if you need the test. They did the test because they thought it might not be acid reflux but non-acid reflux. If you think it's acid reflux then maybe try Nexium (a PPI) - even though it was intended to be short term, millions of people are taking it longer term, and if Nexium helps then it's acid reflux and you don't need the ph test.

I just had this procedure done and it took 8 minutes. You are put to sleep for that short time and go home right away. Only side effect was a slight sore throat for 3 days. No big deal. Do it!

Was this definitely the test where they put the tube through the nose? They told me it would be for 24 hours. I had the endoscope where they put the tube in the mouth and down to the stomach, which is a different test and I was asleep for a few minutes and sent home.
Thanks for responding.

navia, I just want to say that I truly understand how you feel. This problem has truly put a damper on my life. The strange thing is that I was sent to ENT who said it was a GI issue, and to go back to GI. When I described my Sx. to GI and asked him if he ever heard of it, he said NO. I have been through all the tests except for the one you mentioned which he says is very painful. I have learned more from everyone on this site, than from this very large group of GI docs.I have read a lot about it. I can tell you that concentrated sugar products make it worse, especially chocolate. I can say that I have tried Mucinex for mucous relief and it has helped. I also bought a new cool mist humidifier for bedtime, and point it toward my face, and it has helped.I go back to see GI next month. I think I have received more help from people on this site than from the GI docs.Just my feelings. Take care and best of luck.

I tried this and it didn't work. I was also told that it was the worst thing you can do. Have you spoken to a medical person about this. All vinegars are acid. it doesn't make sense. I did try it sometime ago just to be sure but it didn't improve me.
Sorry. But thanks for trying to help.

I have also been on the run around between ENT and GI. I think the truth is that it is partially both and they should work together which my 2 consultants seem to quite well. It took ages to be diagnosed because a lot of GPs don't know anything about it and think it is caused by sinus. It does seem though that it is one of those chronic problems that you either live with and try and handle your diet. That book Dropping Acid is very good and has helped a lot of people.
Or there are surgery options and I believe Mayo Clinic is one of the top clinics to treat this. I am considering it but probably need to have the nasty 24 hour test first.

I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in the spring of 2019 and underwent chemo, lumpectomy and radiation. I’ll never know what caused my throat issue. Was it cancer treatment, or the Prolia I had injected after because I developed osteoporosis, or just aging (70 now).

Regardless of the reason, I have many GI problems now. I visited an integrative medicine doctor throughout my cancer journey and he helped me greatly so I continue to see him when I need to. His suggestions for silent reflux are:
Marshmallow tea
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)
Zinc Carnosine
Aloe Vera
Alkaline water

If interested, you should investigate each of these before ingesting.

My husband has Parkinson’s (and I know this is rationalizing), and a glass of wine with a healthy dinner is something we both look forward to (like Navia). I know it is acidic but we limit it to one standard glass and have dialed it back from two glasses. I know I may have to give it up completely as I already have many other things that I enjoy. I have found some good low acid coffees online and have made that switch.

Like others, I have appreciated Dr. Koufman’s books, including The Chronic Cough Enigma. I don’t have a cough, just chronic sore throat, but this book was still very informative.

Lastly, I did quick drinking alcohol for a month and took Esomeprozole (Nexium) for the same amount of time and did not get better. Trying to find a doctor in my area that will perform the through the nose acid test. I know I can get the Bravo meter implanted, but it requires another endoscopy which I don’t want to do just yet. Would like to give the homeopathic methods a chance to work.

Best wishes to all of you dealing with this confusing condition. Cindy

Cindy, I am a retired Oncology Nurse and I empathize with you, and for all you have been through. Sometimes I have to remind myself that what I complain about is nothing compared to what others have been through. I am all for that nightly glass of wine girl!! You have to weigh the pros and cons, and if it makes you happy, just go for it!!

Thank you for your reinforcement! My husband and I went right from my cancer nine months into Covid lock down. Add in his PD and our world has become small. I am not complaining as I have many friends and a wonderful family and generally feel pretty content, but these little pleasures have come to mean a lot.

Thanks again and best wishes to you!