Silent Reflux or LPR

Posted by cmdw2600 @cmdw2600, Jan 27, 2023

Has anyone been diagnosed with silent reflux or LPR? This is a condition where there is no heartburn, but acid makes its way to the throat. I have had a sore throat/throat irritation for over two years.

Would like to treat without PPI and do what I can homeopathically.

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@rocket102

Wow, Lori, thank you so much for sharing this information. I do notice my voice is worse after I eat. Wow! I have an appointment with a GI at the end of April and an ENT in June. It’s just impossible to get into specialists. I’m concerned as this started in August.
Grateful for all you have shared.
Very sorry for your loss. ❤️

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Good luck to you. I had my reflux for a long time before I was treated just because I had more pressing health concerns. I was just at a level of esophageal irritation when scoped -- nothing alarming. Hoping that hasn't changed. I'm sure my brother likely had the silent reflux for years. Good that you're getting everything checked out. You're right, it is a long wait to see a specialist for the first time, but followup visits are usually timely once your foot is in the door. Two specialists means two opinions. Yay! Since I haven't seen an ENT for this, I'll be interested to hear if the ENT treats or refers you back to the GI. Please keep us posted. Thanks.

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@californiazebra

@cmdw2600 I've had GERD for years and have taken a PPI (pantoprazole). It helps, but not completely resolve the issue. Tried stopping the med and my GERD really flared up. I have a hiatal hernia as the cause of reflux - last checked 4 years ago. I don't like meds either and decline most, but the reason I like taking a PPI is because my GI told me some meds only help reflux while this one actually heals damage to the esophagus as well. Before I took it my esophagus was bright red. After, just a healthy pink. My bother passed away from esophageal cancer (Dx at stage III) at 59 and was told he had silent reflux. He had no idea. No symptoms. The past few months, I go hoarse right after eating no matter what I eat so I'm wondering about LPR and wondering what changed. That used to only happen after forbidden foods like tomato soup. Now it's after everything. It makes me feel weak and a little embarrassed to talk with a hoarse voice, but more importantly is a concern. It improves a couple hours after eating, but is a cycle all day long. I hope some solutions are working for you. Lori

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try to eat small meals and move around after eating, and sit straight and not slouched, stretch arms out, relax muscles... sitting slouched can cause the sphincter to open (like the old fashioned coin purse you'd squeeze to open)

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@californiazebra

@cmdw2600 I've had GERD for years and have taken a PPI (pantoprazole). It helps, but not completely resolve the issue. Tried stopping the med and my GERD really flared up. I have a hiatal hernia as the cause of reflux - last checked 4 years ago. I don't like meds either and decline most, but the reason I like taking a PPI is because my GI told me some meds only help reflux while this one actually heals damage to the esophagus as well. Before I took it my esophagus was bright red. After, just a healthy pink. My bother passed away from esophageal cancer (Dx at stage III) at 59 and was told he had silent reflux. He had no idea. No symptoms. The past few months, I go hoarse right after eating no matter what I eat so I'm wondering about LPR and wondering what changed. That used to only happen after forbidden foods like tomato soup. Now it's after everything. It makes me feel weak and a little embarrassed to talk with a hoarse voice, but more importantly is a concern. It improves a couple hours after eating, but is a cycle all day long. I hope some solutions are working for you. Lori

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Lori, I understand your worry. My dad died from esophageal cancer so of course I have concern.
Please read The Chronic Cough Enigma by Dr. Jamie Koufman. Even if you don’t have a cough, the book addresses voice changes and sore throat.

I am using many homeopathic remedies, but please do your own research if you decide to implement them.

Aloe Vera (ingested)
DGL
Zinc Carnosine
Teas with marshmallow root, slippery elm and licorice

If your doctor approves you can also investigate an H2 blocker like Pepcid. It is many times recommended for LPR.

Since I have had throat irritation for two and a half years, I finally found a doctor who could perform TNE-transnasal esophagocopy. This was a simple in office test where this ENT specialist was able to look down my throat with a camera. I have had two endoscopies in the past two years, but this was specific to the larynx and surrounding areas and required nor sedation.

Best wishes, Cindy

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@cmdw2600

Lori, I understand your worry. My dad died from esophageal cancer so of course I have concern.
Please read The Chronic Cough Enigma by Dr. Jamie Koufman. Even if you don’t have a cough, the book addresses voice changes and sore throat.

I am using many homeopathic remedies, but please do your own research if you decide to implement them.

Aloe Vera (ingested)
DGL
Zinc Carnosine
Teas with marshmallow root, slippery elm and licorice

If your doctor approves you can also investigate an H2 blocker like Pepcid. It is many times recommended for LPR.

Since I have had throat irritation for two and a half years, I finally found a doctor who could perform TNE-transnasal esophagocopy. This was a simple in office test where this ENT specialist was able to look down my throat with a camera. I have had two endoscopies in the past two years, but this was specific to the larynx and surrounding areas and required nor sedation.

Best wishes, Cindy

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Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! I will certainly give these a try.

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@t98

try to eat small meals and move around after eating, and sit straight and not slouched, stretch arms out, relax muscles... sitting slouched can cause the sphincter to open (like the old fashioned coin purse you'd squeeze to open)

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Thank you, I am a sloucher!

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@cmdw2600

Lori, I understand your worry. My dad died from esophageal cancer so of course I have concern.
Please read The Chronic Cough Enigma by Dr. Jamie Koufman. Even if you don’t have a cough, the book addresses voice changes and sore throat.

I am using many homeopathic remedies, but please do your own research if you decide to implement them.

Aloe Vera (ingested)
DGL
Zinc Carnosine
Teas with marshmallow root, slippery elm and licorice

If your doctor approves you can also investigate an H2 blocker like Pepcid. It is many times recommended for LPR.

Since I have had throat irritation for two and a half years, I finally found a doctor who could perform TNE-transnasal esophagocopy. This was a simple in office test where this ENT specialist was able to look down my throat with a camera. I have had two endoscopies in the past two years, but this was specific to the larynx and surrounding areas and required nor sedation.

Best wishes, Cindy

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Cindy, thanks for much for all the great information!!! When I tried going off my PPI that triggered a lot of coughing so I went back on it. Best to you, Lori

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@t98

try to eat small meals and move around after eating, and sit straight and not slouched, stretch arms out, relax muscles... sitting slouched can cause the sphincter to open (like the old fashioned coin purse you'd squeeze to open)

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Hi @t98 -- good info. Interesting about slouching and a very visual analogy. I do have a tendency to slouch especially when sitting in a chair. It just happens. I have eaten very small meals for years with all my eating issues, but am not always moving around afterwards so I'll give this a try. I appreciate the response. Best to you, Lori

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@t98

try to eat small meals and move around after eating, and sit straight and not slouched, stretch arms out, relax muscles... sitting slouched can cause the sphincter to open (like the old fashioned coin purse you'd squeeze to open)

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Interesting-I have not heard that one before. I am going to try that sitting/not slouching thing. Thankyou for the idea. Cannot hurt to try.

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I have been diagnosed with “silent reflux” as they have found stomach germ in my lung. I have never taken medication; I’ve had to make some lifestyle changes and diet changes to reduce the occurrence of it. I have never had any felt symptoms. I could share some how I treat it if you are interested.

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@thielmann1

I have been diagnosed with “silent reflux” as they have found stomach germ in my lung. I have never taken medication; I’ve had to make some lifestyle changes and diet changes to reduce the occurrence of it. I have never had any felt symptoms. I could share some how I treat it if you are interested.

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I would appreciate learning more about how you are treating your silent reflux.
Thanks!

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