Those who deal with acid reflux are often familiar with the usual tell-tale symptom of heartburn. However, the condition can cause other symptoms as well. In some cases, it can lead to a change in your voice.
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is when stomach acid backflows into your esophagus. While many people deal with occasional reflux episodes, you likely have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) if you have chronic symptoms. GERD is a more severe form of acid reflux. In addition to heartburn, it is associated with symptoms like regurgitation, trouble swallowing, chronic cough and vocal changes like hoarseness.
The Difference Between GERD and LPR
In addition to GERD, LPR, or laryngopharyngeal reflux, is another chronic form of acid reflux. In GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter is weakened, allowing stomach acid to reach the esophagus. LPR occurs when the stomach acid goes up into your voice box and throat.
Many people with LPR don’t experience heartburn, which is why the condition can be referred to as “silent reflux.” Instead, LPR often affects your throat, sinuses and voice.
LPR and Voice Changes
LPR allows stomach acid to reach your throat and voice box, causing irritation there, which can lead to hoarseness. Research has shown that LPR causes or contributes to hoarseness in up to 55% of patients with the condition.
LPR can cause additional voice changes, including:
- Quieter speech
- Vocal fatigue
- Decreased pitch range
- Breathlessness
How to Treat Reflux
Treating chronic reflux of any kind is important. Not only do symptoms diminish your quality of life, but over time, stomach acid can cause permanent damage to the esophagus, throat and other areas and even increase your risk of developing certain cancers.
Visit a doctor to have your symptoms evaluated and help determine what treatment options are best for you. In many cases, a combination of medications like proton pump inhibitors and lifestyle changes can help get your reflux under control.
Lifestyle changes may include eliminating certain foods, such as spicy, fried or high-fat foods, from your diet, in addition to other well-known triggers. While everyone has different sensitives, your doctor can provide you with a list of common acid reflux triggers as well as reflux-friendly foods for the next time you shop at 3 Rivers Natural Grocery Food Co-op.
Additional recommendations may include:
- Avoid wearing tight clothing
- Don’t lie down for several hours after eating
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Sleep with a wedge pillow
To learn more or to be seen by one of our specialists, call Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today.