Not everyone is familiar with what silent reflux is, and we cannot blame them for their zero knowledge on the matter. The term has it all and explains why not everyone will know what it is. The term reflux means the reflux of acid that causes discomfort, heartburn, chest pain, and nausea. While people can easily recognize such symptoms, some people do not feel anything when the reflux happens. It is what health experts refer to as silent reflux. In some people, the condition does not come with obvious symptoms. One may have their stomach reflux up their esophagus, but still, they do not feel anything. It is the threatening side of the condition because you will not know anything until further damages happen.
Fortunately, you can easily find relevant references online, and Refluxgate is one example. It is to increase your literacy about the health condition as a way to prepare yourself when it happens. There are also several things to know about silent reflux, which will be explained below.
Symptoms
Although people know the condition for having zero signs or symptoms, there are still indications that you can recognize. It includes a bitter taste in your throat, sore throat, feeling pain when you swallow food, the need to clear your throat constantly, and asthma. It is vital to recognize these symptoms as it will give you early diagnose about what happens to your body. When you notice any of these signs, it is advisable to go and see the doctor immediately for further checkups. Some people also often mistake symptoms of silent reflux with GERD, which are quite similar but very different.
Cause
One main and popular cause of the condition is when you do not have well-functioning sphincters, a ring-like organ that serves to prevent stomach acid and the food from going back to the esophagus during digestion. After you swallow your food, the food goes all the way to the stomach through your organs. During this time, your stomach acid can rise to the level of your esophagus. Normally, the sphincters will prevent this from happening. However, not all people have this function, and some of them end up suffering from silent reflux.
Some Supporting Factors
Although studies show that people of any age and sex can develop the symptoms of silent reflux, some factors tend to increase the possibility. These factors include certain lifestyles, congenital diseases, and pregnancy.