My Yearlong Hoarse Voice Was Caused By Acid Reflux
I Have Silent Reflux
When I was in my 20’s, I had a very hoarse voice for about a year. It was very annoying to me and I am sure, others, as well.
I went from one doctor to the next and none of them could tell me why my voice was hoarse. I finally went to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. He took one look in my throat and diagnosed me with acid reflux.
He gave me a prescription for Zantac. After taking just one pill, I woke up the next day and my voice was totally normal. He told me to elevate the head of my bed and not to lie down for three hours after eating.
I think we put books under the legs of my bed to raise my head. There are wedges you can buy to elevate your head as well.
I am sure many of you have heard of acid reflux. It is usually associated with the feeling of heartburn in your chest after eating. A worse form of reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a chronic form of acid reflux and can harm your body as time goes by.
According to pfizer.com,
GERD often stems from a weakened or relaxed sphincter in the lower part of esophagus. Like a hatch that doesn’t quite close, it allows stomach acid to backwash into the esophagus.
Mayoclinic.org lists the following as symptoms of GERD,
A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night or while lying down
- Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid
- Upper abdominal or chest pain
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
- Sensation of a lump in your throat
If you have nighttime acid reflux, you might also experience:
- An ongoing cough
- Inflammation of the vocal cords (laryngitis)
- New or worsening asthma
I recently had another bout with acid reflux after being off meds for quite some time. Again, my voice was very hoarse and strained. My ENT put a camera down my throat and said my vocal cords were inflamed. He told me to take Gaviscon at night for three months and to rest my voice. That seemed to do the trick.
I was telling my ENT that I don’t experience any of the other symptoms of acid reflux. He told me that those with acid reflux throat issues, do not experience heartburn.
I recently found out that there is something called silent reflux. This applies to me. It is called silent reflux because it doesn’t cause any issues in the chest.
Whenever I think of acid reflux, I always associate it with heartburn. I have never heard of the term silent reflux before.
Acid reflux that is left untreated can cause Barrett’s Esophagus, which increases your risk for getting esophageal cancer.
Smoking, eating large meals or eating too close to bedtime can trigger acid reflux.
Foods that cause acid reflux include citrus fruits, garlic, and chocolate. Spicy or fried foods, as well as coffee and carbonated drinks, can also lead to acid reflux.
If you have any of these symptoms and they are not improving, make an appointment with your doctor.
