Silent Reflux is a form of gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, that does not cause noticeable physiological symptoms. GERD is a common infant disorder that children typically outgrow by 12 months of age. This disorder causes food and stomach acid to back up into the esophagus from the stomach. A physician can diagnose silent GERD based on a physical examination, medical history and diagnostic tests. When GERD and asthma are both present, treatment for GERD has shown to decrease asthmatic symptoms.
GERD Causes
The exact cause of GERD is unknown, but certain factors affect its presence. The esophageal sphincter is that valve at the top of the stomach that keeps food and acid contained with the stomach. Abnormal pressure exerted on this valve causes it to leak and allows stomach contents to escape. Other factors affecting GERD include a narrow or short esophagus as well as a genetic tendency.
Asthmatic Symptoms
Asthmatic symptoms in an infant include wheezing, increased respiration rate, tightness of skin around the rib cage, coughing, rapid heart rate and sweating. Infants with asthma are also prone to more frequent respiratory infections and can suffer from frequent coughing.
The Connection
When reflux and asthma are present in an infant at the same time, each condition worsens the symptoms of the other. Asthma causes increased pressure on the diaphragm, affecting the amount of pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. The aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs can then cause asthmatic symptoms by inducing bronchospasms and bronchoconstriction.
Treatment
The most common treatment for infant GERD includes feeding modifications and the use of medication. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents avoid overfeeding the infant, try a hypoallergenic formula for several weeks, keep the infant upright for 30 minutes after meals, avoid tobacco smoke exposure, and avoid tight diapers and elastic waistbands. Asthmatic symptoms in children with both asthma and GERD improved in 69 percent of children after the use of acid-reducing medication.
References
- University of Texas Dept. of Otolaryngology; Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux; Frederick S. Rosen, MD, et al; October 2000
- Langone Medical Center; Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease -- Infant; Daus Mahnke, MD; November 2008
- Children's Digestive Health & Nutrition Foundation: Parent's Take Home Guide to GERD
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asthma in Children and Adolescents -- Symptoms
