Posted by Sasha (New York, Ny) on 03/16/2010
I am told I have silent acid relux.. no heartburn, but tightness in my throat, esophogeal spasms, excess mucus, hypersalivation, and anxiety from all of the above. Difficlut to belch, but when I do it seems to relive the symptoms a bit. It's as though its gas not acid that is causing the problem. It began a few months ago after a bout with bronchitis and asthma related symptoms. I used an albuterol inhaler and not sure if that inflamed my throat / esophogus. (not using anymore, no asthma symptoms) Was put on Prilosec by the ENT (didn't work), Acipehx by the GI (made the symptoms worse) and digestive enzymes by a homeopathic doctor (felt some burning in my tummy) I have given up coffee, wine, citrus, chocolate, tomatoes etc. Would like to know how I can determine if I have too much or too little acid? Is there a home PH test I can use? With the symptoms I described, do you think ACV with baking soda would work? Is aloe vera a good remedy (it has citric acid??) Look forward to some guidance here. My daughter is getting married in June and I really want to feel good by that time. Thanks in advance
Posted by David (Thousand Oaks, CA) on 05/10/2006
★★★★★
Went to 6 different ENTs (sad but true). Finally 1 good ENT knew what my problem was when I described the symptoms to him (globus or feeling something stuck in my throat, dry mouth, white tongue, etc.). He performed a flexiscope and found I have LPR which is form of "Silent Reflux" where acid flow up past your Upper sphincter and inflame your vocal chord causing irritations. He immediately put me in 2x PPI Nexium, it helped reduced my symptoms but I still get regular irritations in my throat. I decided to try ACV mixed with Raw Honey after each meal and it greatly reduced my symptoms. I feel better and is revisiting my ENT and should reduce to 1 PPI/day. Not good thing to do PPI if possible. Lots of side effects and long-term health risks.
Side-note is that if you have heartburn or throat lump problems, make SURE you get a good GI or ENT to diagnose. Don't go to a GP (General Practitioner) or FP (Family Practitioner) or Internist, they are not usually good and don't have expertise or equipment to diagnose your problem. They can make things worse by guessing your problem and misdiagnosing. Dr's. are people too and they're good and bad ones everywhere. It's up to you to find out and do your home work.
People that have LPR like me don't have heartburn because the acid does not stay long enough in the Esophagus to cause irritation. I did Esophogram and Barrium Swallon test and found don't have Esophagitis.
