Acid Reflux and Voice Disorders
When a person is suffering from acid reflux, the symptoms sometimes appears to be due to a cold or flu. People start coughing, they might have a sore throat and sometimes they can even lose their voice completely. If these things are due to a cold, the symptoms usually last for a few days and then disappear.
But if they continue beyond a few days, they could be a sign of an acid reflux problem. Voice loss is one symptom, along with sore stomach, headaches and heartburn. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and acid reflux can lead to other problems as well.
A sore throat is one symptom of reflux that occurs because the stomach acid leaves the stomach and moves into the lungs and/or the esophagus. This acid can mix with saliva, leading to a sore throat and possibly the loss of the person’s voice.
Another way acid reflux can cause a voice disorder is when the acid causes shortness of breath. This will limit the amount of air needed to speak. The vocal chords will be strained because of the extra work they have to do to when a person tries to speak. Over time, a persons vocal chords can become damaged and which will affect the voice. Their voice will either become thin and barely audible or it will become deeper.
Acid reflux can also lead to problems in the lungs and other organs, including the heart. In most cases a change of diet is necessary to minimize these effects.
Eating foods that do not contain acids, including certain fruits and other foods, is a good idea. A person will also have to avoid alcohol and only have a glass of wine occasionally. This will lead to less acid production and will hopefully help a persons throat to heal.
If the vocal chords have been affected, they will need to be examined by a doctor. Surgery is sometimes even necessary because when the vocal chords are damaged, polyps can form that will affect the voice and can cause pain when speaking. A doctor will need to make this diagnosis. If your vocal chords are sore, especially if for more than a few days, it’s important to consult your doctor to get their diagnosis.
Acid reflux is a common disorder that can be helped, though not cured. Medications and diet will make a difference. A persons voice may be affected so it is important to see a doctor before the symptoms get worse. Only a doctor will be able to determine if a person has acid reflux and only a doctor will be able to prescribe medication.
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