What are Vocal Cord Disorders caused by Acid Reflux? Is there any Treatment Avai

Posted by Repairyourvoice on December 10th, 2019

What are vocal cord disorders? 

Humans verbally communicate using the larynx – which is also known as the voice box. Inside the voice box, there are two vocal cords which play a major role in producing your voice, enabling the ability to talk. The vocal cords (or folds) vibrate inside the larynx and air passes through it from the lungs - and that produces the voice. The size and shape of vocal cords help to determine the sound of each person.

What causes vocal cord disorders?

Vocal abuse or misuse is often the prime cause of vocal disorders. The vocal abuse may be caused by using your voice too much, as well as by incorrect singing, constant yelling, continuous coughing or excessive talking in high volume. Although, acid reflux can also harm your vocal cords – which can affect the quality of your voice.

Acid reflux is also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).  This is a condition that makes stomach acid wash back up into the esophagus. The main symptom of this problem is heartburn, but GERD can also negatively affect your voice - as stomach acid irritates your vocal cords, throat, and esophagus. This causes a hoarse voice as well as an accumulation of access mucus in your throat.

What are the symptoms of injured vocal cords?

Each person suffering from vocal disorders can have different symptoms based on the type of vocal cord disorder. The main symptom may include hoarseness or a change in your voice - like a low and breathy voice. Sometimes, these disorders may also cause trouble when it comes to swallowing and coughing.

How are vocal disorders diagnosed?

If you have hoarseness or change in voice that lasts longer than 2 weeks, you must see your health expert as soon as possible. Your medical expert will ask about your complete health history and also ask for physical exams. The health expert can also diagnose your vocal cords using a laryngoscope. After diagnosis, the physician may recommend that you see a voice repair specialist.

How to treat your vocal disorders?

For those seeking how to heal vocal cords from acid reflux, it depends on how severe your condition is. First of all, you need to treat your acid reflux which, no doubt, can be the main reason for your injured vocal cords. Another step… avoiding the foods and beverages that trigger the symptoms of acid reflux. Along with this, some other steps that you can take are the following:

•  Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and modify the way of your eating.
•  If you are addicted to smoke, quit it.
•  Eat at least 2-3 hours before lying down on the bed.
•  Don't wear tight clothes or belts.
•  If you're overweight or obese, lose your weight and commit to changes in your diet and lifestyle.
•  Also, ask your doctor whether any medication could be triggering the acid reflux disorder.

Apart from this, there is an effective form of voice therapy which is the best method when it comes to treating Acid Reflux Affecting Voice. This therapy is usually provided by a voice repair specialist who is trained and experienced in treating these disorders.

Learning these innovative speech techniques provided by the voice repair specialists takes regular practice. You will need to practice them even when you don't have serious vocal disorders, so you will be able to control the symptoms before they turn into a severe condition.

To learn what it tales to effectively treat vocal cord damage caused by acid reflux, visit the official website of The Royans Institute for Non-Surgical Voice Repair.

https://www.repairyourvoice.com/services/acid-reflux/