What Is LPR? Understanding Silent Reflux

When reflux happens in the esophagus, most people experience it as painful heartburn. This type of reflux is typically referred to as “acid reflux”, and it’s fairly common in the US, especially in patients with GERD. Acid reflux isn’t the only type of reflux, though. Laryngopharyngeal reflux happens when stomach acid backs up all the way into the voice box (larynx) or throat (pharynx). The larynx and pharynx are much more sensitive to stomach acid than the esophagus is, and this type of reflux results in a myriad of symptoms. Laryngopharyngeal reflux is often referred to as “silent reflux” because in many patients it doesn't present with typical reflux symptoms like heartburn, making it difficult to identify.

AdminOctober 7, 2022LPR, laryngopharyngeal reflux, silent reflux, symptoms of silent reflux, treating silent reflux, treating LPRComment

Gastroparesis 101: Getting to Know This Condition & Its Triggers

First and foremost, what is gastroparesis? Gastroparesis is a gastric disorder in which the stomach both a) doesn’t produce enough acid to digest food properly and b) doesn’t empty when it’s supposed to. This leads to some very uncomfortable symptoms and can, in severe cases, lead to malnutrition. In this post, we’ll look at the answers to the following questions and more: what triggers gastroparesis, what can be mistaken for gastroparesis, how is gastroparesis diagnosed, and how is gastroparesis treated?

AdminSeptember 30, 2022What triggers gastroparesis, what is gastroparesis, what can be mistaken for gastroparesisComment

Identifying Heartburn Triggers: Why You Should Keep a Food Diary

If you’re suffering from heartburn, a food diary may not be the first thing you think of to help you feel better. Most patients reach for antacids and over-the-counter acid-reducing medication. However, if you can identify and eliminate your triggers, you might be able to enter remission. If you’re asking yourself how do you figure out what is causing heartburn or how do you identify food triggers, a food diary is probably a good next step.

PPIs: What’s Inside That Purple Pill?

For patients struggling with acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophogeal reflux disease), many doctors will prescribe PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) or recommend over the counter medication such as Tums, Rolaids, Pepcid, or Zantac. However, the ingredients commonly found in PPIs can cause damage if they are used as long-term solutions to reflux. Learn more about exactly what’s inside PPIs:

Do I Have a Hiatal Hernia?

Do you suffer from persistent heartburn that is associated with general chest pressure or pain? If so, you may be suffering from a hiatal hernia. However, most people don’t have any symptoms at all with this type of hernia. In this post, we’ll answer some common questions regarding hiatal hernias, including how do you check for a hiatal hernia, can you physically feel a hiatal hernia, when should you suspect a hiatal hernia, and how is a hiatal hernia treated?