HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

How to test for improvement with Silent Reflux

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/16/2013 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
Our new dentist pointed out that DH's enamel was terribly worn down. He said it almost looked like the kind of damage bulimia would do. He is most definitely not bulimic, so the other likely cause is reflux. He only occasionally has heartburn, so we figure when he sees his primary care physician, he will be diagnosed with "silent" reflux.

We have read about PPIs and we are very against using this type of medication. We want to treat the underlying cause of the reflux, his failing lower esophageal valve. After reading a bit about it, I think we should modify his diet, and I'm going to propose that he tries the SCD.

Anyway, my main question here, how can we test for improvement in his condition if he is lacking symptoms? I thought maybe we could just test the pH of his saliva, maybe? Any other cost effective ways to track progress?
Posted 10/16/2013 7:30 PM (GMT 0)
Actually catccc, it would be that his LES and UES are not functioning properly. You can test saliva, and I'd imagine if you are really intent on monitoring it, you could ask for a PH probe test. I'm not sure if an ENT would administer that test just for the purpose of checking improvement, but doctors do do a ph probe test where they stick a catheter down the throat for 24hrs to test PH/reflux.

Also, just so you know, there is actually a specific toothpaste package which now raises the PH of saliva which combats acidic damage to the teeth. I forget the exact name but every item has the letter "CX" in front of it. You should ask your doctor about it. It's a bit expensive, but you get a lot for it and it could be useful.

Hope this helps.
Posted 10/17/2013 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info! I was hoping for something a little less invasive in terms of testing, something we could do at home cheaply as often as we wanted. Like spitting on a ph test strip. I will look into that toothpaste, thanks!

Post Edited (catccc) : 10/16/2013 8:10:07 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/17/2013 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
catccc,

No problem, sorry that I don't have much to offer in the way of quick/easy :(. You can definitely try the PH strips, I just dont have any experience with them or if they are very accurate.

2 more things to add, is this your son? If it is, since it would be a child, you could express how important it is to chew your food 20+ times. This gets those enzymes working on the food rather than letting the unchewed food left in your stomach whole. Believe it or not it makes a big difference.

You can also see about doing a UES/LES motility test with your GI. This could give you an indication of how well the sphincters are currently working. Once again though, theres a tube that goes down your esoph :(
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply