Suddenly you feel a burning sensation in your throat and chest. You try soothing it by drinking something cold. But all in vain. You face this problem quite frequently and decide to visit the doctor. The doctor tells you that you are suffering from acid reflux and as usual prescribes you medicine.

Acid reflux is a stage when the acid or the contents of your stomach travel back in the throat. It is a common problem faced by people eating heavy meals, people who smoke, pregnant women, and many more. Infants and children can also experience acid reflux. There are various causes and symptoms of acid reflux.

Though these symptoms can be visible in some cases, in some cases it is difficult to know if that person is suffering from acid reflux. Sometimes the symptoms are rarely seen and in this state the person is said to be suffering from Silent Acid Reflux.

The common symptoms of acid reflux can be detected in early stages but silent reflux sufferers are rarely seen suffering from these common symptoms.

The most common symptom of acid reflux is heart burn. But in silent acid reflux this symptom may not seen that frequently.

Same medicines may be prescribed for both the patients but detecting silent acid sufferers from the usual acid reflux sufferers is difficult. The cause of silent acid reflux can be the same as the cause of acid reflux. Both are caused by the stomach contents which travel to the throat from the stomach in a backward direction. This usually happens due to weak functioning of the muscles of the throat which allows the stomach acid to travel back in the throat.

Due to the traveling of the acid in the throat these patients can suffer from voice problems. This is caused by the pressure created by the acid in the throat. Swallowing problems are also faced by these patients. Such patients may often be seen clearing their throats while eating or talking. Snoring and irregular sleeping may also be seen in such people. Acid reflux can also be caused because of irregular sleep. These people are recommended to keep their head raised while sleeping, having enough gap in their last meal and sleeping time, avoid the food which induces the stomach acid.

Children and infants are also seen suffering from silent acid reflux. In this state they are often seen swallowing the contents which they have spit causing damage to the throat and the lining of the pipe (esophagus) which connects the throat and stomach. It is better to consult a doctor as early as possible for early detection of this disease.

Though there are many medicines available in the market for this, silent acid reflux often gone undetected, causing severe damage to the throat. In such cases, if the disease is not detected, a surgery may be needed. So it is very important to consult a doctor as soon as possible to avoid any further complication of this disease.

To my readers, don't remain silent about Silent Acid Reflux!

If you're woken in the middle of the night with an irritating burning sensation in your throat and chest and somehow manage to pass the night with a doctor's visit in the morning, your doctor may tell you that what you're experiencing is a symptom of acid reflux, also called heart burn.

Causes of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is caused by a weak esophagus. The esophagus weakens as the acid from the stomach travels to the throat due to the weak function of the flap covering it. One of the causes is due to an unhealthy diet routine. There are also many other causes for acid reflux.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Throat ache or burning problems:
Feeling of burning sensation causing irritation along with throat pain. The throat feels heavy and painful. In such cases, its recommended that you eat and drinking slowly.

Problems with swallowing:
You may feel as if a food lump is stuck in your chest or throat along with a paining sensation. This problem can be due to many reasons so seeking your doctor's advice is recommended.

Lost interest in food:
One can also lose interest in eating or avoid eating food regularly. Vomiting might also follow.

Harshness of voice:
Due to the pressure on the vocal chord or throat, the voice may become harsh and your throat may hurt while speaking. In a case of acid reflux, one may be found clearing your throat often.

Breathing problems:
You may encounter challenges in breathing clearly or smoothly if faced with acid reflux. Cough and sneezing may also follow as a symptom.

Heart burn:
This is the most prominent symptom of acid reflux. Though it is not related to your heart, it is called heart burn as it causes a burning restless sensation in your chest and sometimes in your back.

To get relief from the above symptoms, there are remedies like home remedies, natural cure, medicines, surgeries and the special reflux pillows. Here are some tips:

1. Eat a limited diet:
Do not overeat every time you eat. Eat healthy meals, including nutritious food in your diet.

2. Eat in intervals:
Eating in intervals will help your body digest the food properly. Follow small regular intervals of diet for fast and easy digestion.

3. Pregnant women:
Pregnant should have a balanced diet with nutritional value during this period. Avoid eating food which contains high percentage of fat, oil and calories.

4. No smoking:
Smokers tend to loose their appetite and interest in food. Smoking should be avoided as the nicotine levels may raise the levels of the acid.

5. Exercise:
Exercising regularly will help maintain a good health and keep all the problems at a lower risk.

6. Use an acid reflux pillow:
Due to the special structure of an acid reflux pillow, it keeps the stomach acid in the stomach and avoids the back ward traveling of the acid in the throat.

If any of the above symptoms of acid reflux are seen you should first consult your doctor before taking any remedies, as they may have an adverse effect on your system.

As always, I welcome your feedback and comments.