Rare Gastroentestinal Problem
28 or 29 February of each year depending on whether the year is a leap or not is a day set aside to recognize the widespread of rare diseases as a major health challenge. These diseases include the gastroentestinal (GI). Although there are common gastroentestinal disorders such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, perianal, heartburn, lactose intolerance, cancer and many other which can be easily prevented by practicing healthy dieting, there is also a rare gastrointestinal problem. Silent reflux is an example of such rare gastroentestinal problem.
Silent Reflux
This is a rare gastrointestinal disorder which is also referred to as laryngopharyngeal reflux. This condition is characterized by the content of the stomach moving in the opposite direction. This means they move towards the voice box and the nasal passage. They also move at the back of the throat. In short, it’s caused by the stomach acids getting into the air tracks. This reflux disorder also rarely cause visible signs and symptoms. Hence the name silent reflux.
Causes and Treatment
Over the years Silent reflux has been mistaken for heartburn. This probably because of its cause inflammation or even because it’s a rare gastrointestinal disorder. This disorder also depicts similar signs and symptoms with asthma and pollen allergies. Below are some of its causes.
Weak Sphincters
This is one of the main cause’s o silent reflux. Having in mind that sphincters are responsible for keeping stomach content for example food in their right track if they are weak they may not be that effective in their functionalities. This means the food or enzymes may end up getting into the air tracks or ending towards the voice box thus causing silent flux. The Sphincters associated with simple reflex.
Lower Esophageal Sphincter
This sphincter is located above the stomach, and it’s responsible for swallowing. From time to time this muscle relaxes to ease pressure in the stomach. However, if these relaxations are too may the muscle weakens hence becoming ineffective to perform its tasks correctly. This condition where the Lower Esophageal weakens can be rectified by dieting. This means you have to eat small meals and avoid eating at night. Also, you may consider drinking chocolate, coffee or tea since they help in the relaxation of this muscle. This disorder can also be rectified by surgery or use of medications such as Baclofen which reduces the sphincters relaxation frequency.
Upper Esophageal Sphincter
This is the final sphincter before food reaches the air pipes. A slight malfunction of the lower sphincter may lead to silent reflux. To curb the malfunctioning of this muscle you only need to eat the correct diet.
Pyloric Sphincter
This muscle is located between the stomach and the intestine. Its main function is to make sure the food remains in your stomach until it’s fully digested. For this to happen, this muscle should not be stronger than the Lower Esophageal Sphincter. Otherwise, it may end up pushing the food from the stomach towards the food pipe. This may lead to silent reflux.
Acid
Acid getting into airways can cause simple reflex. Excess acid in the stomach is also another cause of simple reflex. This condition can be treated by taking anti-acid medications.
