Acid
Reflux And Voice Disorders
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Sometimes
when a person is suffering from acid reflux, they may
experience symptoms that may appear at first to be a cold or
flu. People develop a cough, their throat may feel sore, and
they may lose their voice altogether. When a person has a
cold, these symptoms may last for a few days, but will
disappear. But if these symptoms persist, they may be a sign
of acid reflux. Along with voice loss, a person may have
stomach aches, headaches, and may feel a burning sensation
whenever they eat foods that are high in acid, grease, and
fat. Acid reflux disease may be to blame and can lead to
other problems if left untreated.
Acid reflux
can cause the throat to become very sore. This happens when
stomach acid leaves the stomach and travels to the lungs and
even to the esophagus. |
The acid can
become mixed with saliva which can affect the throat. This will
cause a person to lose their 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 person’s 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 hurt
not only a person’s throat and vocal chords; it can also hurt a
person’s lungs and other organs including the heart. There are many
ways to help a person who is suffering from acid reflux. A person
will have to change their diet in order to stop the effects of acid
reflux. 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 person’s
throat to heal.
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The vocal
chords will need to be looked by a doctor who may have to
perform surgery because sometimes when vocal chords are
damaged, growth can occur. Tiny polyps may form which can
make the voice scratchy and hurt when one speaks. Only a
doctor will be able to diagnose this problem. If one’s vocal
chords hurt for more than a few days, it is important to see
a doctor so that they can find a solution to the problem
before it gets worse. Sometimes if a person waits too long,
surgery will not be able to be performed because the added
damage surgery might cause.
Acid reflux
is a common disorder that can be helped, though not cured.
Medications and diet will make a difference. A person’s
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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