The Dr. Oz Show Season 4 Episode 20 Silent Reflux: The New Secret Killer

Silent Reflux: The New Secret Killer is the 20th episode of season 4 of The Dr. Oz Show. In this episode, Dr. Oz dives deep into the unknown area of reflux which happens without any symptoms. Most patients do not even know that they are suffering from silent reflux until the condition becomes severe. Dr. Oz's show is intended to enlighten his audience about the dangers of silent reflux as well as how to diagnose and treat it.

The show begins with Dr. Oz welcoming a patient from Long Island who has been told by her doctors that her coughing and hoarseness is nothing to worry about. The woman has been suffering for years and is no closer to finding a remedy for her ailments. Dr. Oz reveals to her that she is suffering from silent reflux which is slowly killing her.

Dr. Oz is joined on the show by several specialists including Dr. Jonathan Aviv, an ENT specialist, who gives an educational talk about silent reflux. Dr. Aviv explains that when stomach contents reflux into the esophagus, they can slip through the upper esophageal sphincter, the muscles that connect the esophagus and throat. These stomach contents can then be aspirated into the lungs, which can cause chronic coughing, voice problems, and even pneumonia. In addition, stomach acid can weaken and damage the oral cavity, which can be extremely dangerous.

The show moves on to another guest, a woman who had been given a misdiagnosis of allergies when in fact she was suffering from silent reflux. Dr. Oz and his team then examine how stress can also trigger silent reflux and the ways it can impact overall health.

Dr. Oz and his guests list some of the common symptoms of silent reflux, including a chronic cough, voice changes or hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or the sensation of a lump in the throat, nausea or vomiting, and bad breath. They also discuss some of the causes of the condition, including obesity, smoking, poor diet, and stress.

Dr. Oz takes a break from the guests and demonstrates a simple test on how to identify silent reflux. He uses a light source to visualize the esophagus while the patient swallows saliva. If the esophagus and/or larynx turn red, then it is likely that the person has silent reflux.

The show then moves on to treatments for silent reflux. Dr. Oz's team points out that lifestyle changes are the first place to start, and that dietary modifications such as avoiding spicy or acidic foods and small, frequent meals can all help. They also discuss medications, from antacids to proton pump inhibitors.

Dr. Oz and Dr. Aviv also discuss a surgical option for treatment, but they say it is only for the most severe cases. The procedure involves augmenting the upper esophageal sphincter. Dr. Aviv recommends lifestyle and medication changes as the first line of defense.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Oz and his team also discuss the emotional and psychological aspects of silent reflux. They advise patients not to suffer in silence, to talk openly with their doctors, and to seek emotional support if necessary.

The episode concludes with an audience question and answer session. Dr. Oz fields questions from people who are dealing with issues related to silent reflux, from how to recognize the symptoms to how to best treat the condition.

As with all of The Dr. Oz Show's episodes, Silent Reflux: The New Secret Killer is informative and educational, offering crucial insights into a common but often overlooked condition. Dr. Oz's aim is to help his viewers understand the dangers of silent reflux, and to encourage them to seek treatment if they suspect they may be suffering.