Sunday, November 20, 2011

How Acid Reflux And Voice Disorders Are Related

Acid Reflux Symptom

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.

Acid Reflux Symptom

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.

Acid Reflux Symptom

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.

Acid Reflux Symptom

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.

Avoiding acidic foods, such as certain fruits is a good step. It's also important to avoid alcohol as it leads to increased acid production.

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 ones 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 problem but unfortunately it cannot be cured - only treated. Diet and medications can make a difference, and your doctor will be able to work with you to determine the best solution for your particular situation.

How Acid Reflux And Voice Disorders Are Related

Acid Reflux Symptom

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