Acid reflux and your voice

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux is the backflow or leaking of gastric juices (acid) from your stomach up through your oesophagus (food pipe) and into your throat. If you experience reflux on a regular basis it can cause your voice quality to change.

What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

You may experience one or more of the following:

• Recurrent coughing
• Hoarse voice
• Sore throat
• Dry mouth
• Excessive mucus and a need to throat clear
• Heartburn / indigestion
• A sensation of a lump in your throat
• A bad taste in the mouth

How does acid reflux affect my voice?

Acid reflux can affect your voice in two ways:

1. The acidic gastric juices can cause inflammation and discomfort in your larynx (voice box). This may cause a change in your voice quality or lead to coughing / throat clearing (which in turn can affect your voice).
2. Your throat may try to protect your voice box from the acid by squeezing the muscles together. This can cause excessive muscle tension which may result in discomfort, a feeling of a lump in your throat or a change in your voice quality.

How will my diagnosis be confirmed?

You will be seen by a member of the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) team. They will examine your vocal folds and diagnose whether acid reflux is affecting your vocal folds. You may also be referred to another specialist who diagnoses and treats reflux specifically.

How is acid reflux treated?

It may be appropriate for you to take certain medications to help with acid reflux. This can be discussed with your general practitioner (GP) / pharmacist or may be prescribed by the ENT doctor at your initial appointment.

If your voice is affected by acid reflux, a speech and language therapist may be able to advise you on how to manage the symptoms and to help with any voice problems you are experiencing.

What can I do to help my symptoms?

Eat smaller meals more frequently rather than three large main meals

• Avoid eating late in the evening
• You may need to alter you dietary intake ie: reduce spicy/ fatty foods
• Caffeinated drinks and alcohol may exacerbate your reflux so should be taken in moderation or avoided completely
• Prop your head up with extra pillows when sleeping as gravity helps to keep the acid down
• If you are overweight, this can contribute to acid reflux. It may be helpful to discuss weight loss with your GP or other appropriate professionals

If you have any further questions about acid reflux please phone your speech and language therapist on 01223 216200 or contact your GP.