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.
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.
A sore throat is one symptom of reflux that occurs because the stomach acid leaves the stomach and moves into the lungs and/or the esophagus. This acid can mix with saliva, leading to a sore throat and possibly the loss of the person's 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 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.
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 persons throat to heal.
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.
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