Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid causes throat discomfort. It does not always cause heartburn, but it can damage the throat and vocal cords. This condition is known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

The content within the stomach includes stomach acids. Stomach acid is what the body produces in order to break down foods. When these acids make contact with the food pipe (the esophagus) and the vocal cords, irritation, burning, and discomfort can occur. The Reflux causing these uncomfortable sessions are also known as “acid reflux affecting the voice” or “vocal cord acid reflux”. The word “reflux” refers to backward or returns flow.

Symptoms:

LPR has the same “silent reflux” effect due to not necessarily triggering the usual symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn. However, silent reflux can lead to hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, and coughing.

The condition develops when the stomach acid travels back through the food pipe and reaches the back of the throat. The most common symptoms in adults include:

• Feeling like something is stuck in the throat
• Hoarseness
• Frequent throat clearing
• Coughing
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Breathing difficulties
• Swelling and irritation of the vocal cords

Treatment:

Many adults manage to control symptoms by adjusting their eating habits and by making positive and healthy lifestyle changes. Sometimes, people also get misdiagnosed. It is very common that patients will go to see an ENT doctor with isolated voice symptoms and the doctor may not have enough training, expertise or the diagnostic capabilities to secure a firm diagnosis. Being misdiagnosed with acid reflux and placed on an acid suppression medication, will not help patients with deeper issues.

A thorough diagnosis is an answer

It is often seen that acid reflux very rarely causes any changes in your voice. If you're experiencing any change, then you need to visit a voice specialist. Depending on what the underlying issue is, there are a variety of treatment options - including a voice restoration method which is capable of restoring one’s voice naturally & without the need for any surgical interference.

What is this form of voice therapy?

This alternative form of voice therapy is known as Non-Surgical Voice Repair. This unique method of voice restoration and enhancement is designed to tackle a multitude of voice problems (like hoarseness, raspiness, voice damage, etc.) though specially-designed speech and (if applicable) singing exercises, combined with the use of natural herbal remedies, the above will not only eliminate harmful vocal behaviors, it will also aid in the healing of the irritated and/or damaged vocal anatomy, allowing one’s voice to recover from prior damage due to acid reflux.

If you would like to find your 'real' voice, stay away from side-effect-inducing medications and contact a highly-accredited voice specialist who will help you to get your voice back using the best possible treatment methods that do not involve vocal surgery.

Author's Bio: 

Ms. Yampolsky is one of the world's foremost specialists on the topic of the human voice and is the creator of Vocal Science(TM), a unique and truly revolutionary accelerated vocal development technique. It is a holistic and scientific approach to voice mechanics that enables all singers and speakers to reach their full potential in an extremely short period of time. Based in Ontario, Canada, Diana works with a worldwide spectrum of clientele as a Vocal Coach/Consultant, In-Studio Vocal Production Expert, and Non-Surgical Voice Repair Specialist.
If you feel that you, or a loved one, may be suffering from such voice disorders like Spasmodic Dysphonia, contact us: info@vocalscience.com | 416-857-8741