FDA clears new device to treat silent reflux
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the Reza Band, a non-invasive medical device to increase comfort for sufferers of silent reflux -- the medical term for which is laryngopharyngeal reflux.
It's similar to gastroesophaeal reflux disease (GERD) and symptoms include heartburn, hoarseness, acid reflux, chronic cough, noisy or interrupted breathing and excessive throat clearing, according to WebMD.
The main difference between the two maladies is that in the case of silent reflux, gastric content is regurgitated into the larynx, commonly called the "voice box" and the pharynx, which connects the digestive and respiratory systems.
Intended for wear while sleeping, the Reza Band applies a slight pressure to the cricoid cartilage, according to parent company Somna Therapeutics, and by doing this it prevents regurgitation through the upper esophageal sphincter (UES).
The cricoid cartilage is located below the Adam's apple, and applying pressure to that area can even reduce other symptoms of silent reflux including the chronic cough and irritation of the throat.
Reza Band was evaluated for safety as well as effectiveness, and 86 percent of users in the clinical trials for FDA approval had a successful experience, reducing their symptoms in two weeks.
Physicians of clinical trial participants reported being happy with the device's ability to reduce their patients' symptoms 92 percent of the time.
If untreated, silent reflux can lead to long-term complications including recurring ear infections and problems in the middle and inner ear that include fluid build-up.
Surgery is sometimes required to treat complications that arise over time from untreated silent reflux however the first-of-its kind device could reduce such occurrences.
Until now, sufferers of silent reflux have been advised to lose weight, avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine, avoid eating for two hours prior to going to bed and to sleep with their head propped up and take over-the-counter medication for reducing stomach acid.
The band can be purchased for $299, http://www.rezaband.com/
