VOCAL HEALTH- HOW ACID REFLUX|ACIDITY AFFECTS YOUR VOICE
Dr. Sadhana Nayak
Laryngologist | Vocal Medicine Specialist | Fellowship in'Laryngology & Care of the Professional Voice U.S.A
How often do you wake up in the morning with a sore throat or a rough voice? Do you clear your throat frequently during the day?
You will be surprised to know that #acid reflux or #acidity could be one of the reasons for these symptoms.
Many of you may be familiar with common symptoms of acidity or #GERD [gastroesophageal reflux disease] such as #heartburn & burping.However, you may not be aware that acidity often manifests as #laryngopharyngeal reflux [LPR] or #reflux laryngitis - with symptoms related to the voice, throat & breathing.
WHAT IS REFLUX LARYNGITIS?
Reflux laryngitis is caused by digestive juices in the stomach, backing up through the food-pipe into the throat. Stomach juices contain acid & enzymes to help with digesting food. The lining of the stomach is designed in such a way, that it is not affected by the acid.
However, when acid backs up into the throat, it causes irritation & swelling of the delicate lining of the throat. Since the voice-box is located in the throat, at the junction of the wind pipe & food pipe, reflux laryngitis produces symptoms related to the throat, voice and breathing.
Over 50% of people, who suffer from acidity, do not have classic symptoms of acidity|GERD like heartburn, indigestion or discomfort in the stomach. They present with symptoms in the voice & throat.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF REFLUX LARYNGITIS
- Burning sensation|Excessive mucus in the throat
- Need to clear the throat frequently
- Frequent sore throats|raw feeling|pain|irritation in the throat
- Hoarse|heavy or rough voice on waking up, that persists for longer than usual
- Dry cough especially when you lie down
- Bad breath
- Bitter or sour taste in the mouth
- Coated tongue
- Breathing problems sometimes resembling an asthma attack|bronchitis
- Longer time taken to warm up the voice in the morning, usually noticed by singers & vocalists
[The content of this article is intended for educational purposes only & should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your physician as required]