For over five years, I've been dealing with an intermittent cough that comes and goes. It fades for a while, only to return -- sometimes lightly, other times more severely.
I consulted numerous doctors and specialists across four countries, tried medications I never imagined I’d use, underwent MRI and CT scans and even made changes to my diet and sleep patterns. Yet, nothing seemed to help.
Finally, I caught a severe bout of influenza, along with an intense cough I hadn’t experienced in years. My immune system had always been strong, so this caught me off guard.
Despite my attempts to manage it with the usual home remedies -- ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, honey, chicken soup, aspirin, warmth, rest and a touch of love -- the symptoms persisted for two weeks.
I knew it was time to consult someone more knowledgeable than I and that’s when I was diagnosed with a condition called ‘silent reflux,’ also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
LPR occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and irritates the throat, vocal cords, or nasal passages, without the usual heartburn symptoms.
Instead, the symptoms manifest as a chronic cough, hoarseness, a change in voice, phlegm and a sensation of something stuck in the throat. There's also a frequent urge to clear the throat or moisturize the mouth.
The cause of silent reflux lies in a mechanical malfunction of the lower or upper esophageal sphincters, which fail to close properly, allowing stomach acid to rise. This reflux can occur silently or alongside more obvious symptoms like heartburn.
Several factors contribute to silent reflux, the most significant being excess weight and a diet rich in spicy, fatty, fried, or acidic foods.
Other triggers include lying down immediately after eating or using a mattress or pillow that's too low -- it's crucial for the pillow's height to be at least 15 cm.
Silent and overt reflux can be managed either through medication or by avoiding specific triggers.
These include obesity, foods that stimulate reflux (such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, citrus, chocolate and fatty or fried foods) and large meals.
It’s also helpful to eat smaller meals more frequently and avoid lying down for at least an hour after eating.
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