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Can GERD Permanently Damage Your Voice?

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a prevalent condition in the United States. According to Discovery Health, an estimated 15 million Americans have symptoms everyday indicating GERD. This condition can affect anyone of any age but those over 40 have a significantly increased risk.

  1. What is GERD?

    • GERD is a chronic digestive condition in which stomach acid or bile flows back into the esophagus. Over time, this backflow of digestive juices can cause damage to the esophagus.

    Symptoms

    • The primary symptom of GERD is heartburn; however, it is possible to have GERD without heartburn. In these cases, symptoms that will be noticed are a dry cough or frequent throat clearing, asthma symptoms or difficulty swallowing.

    LPR

    • Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), or acid reflux, is the backflow of stomach acid past the upper esophageal sphincter into the throat, and possibly as far up as the nasal airway. Symptoms of LPR include a sour taste in the mouth, hoarseness, choking episodes, or a sore throat.

    Voice Damage

    • Long-term LPR can cause more serious problems, such as ulcers or granulomas of the larynx, vocal fold scarring or a small risk of developing cancer in the throat.

    Permanancy

    • Fortunately, the damage caused by GERD to the vocal cords or throat is all reversible, with the possible exception of throat cancer. GERD symptoms must be stopped before healing can begin.

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