Acid reflux causes acidic fluids from the stomach to flow back up into the esophagus and throat. The action produces the burning and painful sensation in the chest and throat known as heartburn. An inflammation of the voice box, or larynx, results in laryngitis. Viral infections, voice overuse, working conditions, smoking, alcohol or frequent acid reflux can cause laryngitis, according to InteliHealth.
Function
Acid reflux often occurs after eating, especially when lying down or bending over shortly following a meal. The lower esophageal sphincter normally opens and closes as food and beverages enter the stomach. When the muscle does not close properly, stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and throat, creating heartburn. The heartburn from acid reflux happens to many people from time to time. People who suffer acid reflux on a regular basis most likely have gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called GERD, the University of Michigan Health System explains. A hiatal hernia, a condition in which a portion of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity, can increase acid reflux episodes.
Voice Effects
People with acute laryngitis usually acquire the disorder from an upper respiratory tract infection, according to PDRhealth. Colds, flu, pneumonia and bronchitis may result in laryngitis. Chronic laryngitis causes voice changes and hoarseness that last until underlying causes are treated.
Silent Reflux
Although people with GERD often suffer from heartburn and indigestion, many people with the condition do not have these symptoms, InteliHealth notes. This silent acid reflux may lead to nose and throat problems, a sensation of a lump in the throat, frequently clearing the throat, chronic cough, difficulty swallowing and laryngitis.
Remedies
If smoking or alcohol causes laryngitis, people need to avoid those products. Some people work in an environment where shouting over loud noise can bring on laryngitis. The situation needs to be remedied somehow. Doctors may also recommend voice therapy with a speech pathologist to help return the voice and avoid injuring the vocal cords affected by the inflammation of laryngitis. If acid reflux causes laryngitis, people take steps to prevent acid reflux symptoms that aggravate the problem.
Prevention/Solution
Doctors may recommend avoiding fatty or spicy foods and products high in acid content that may include citrus juice, tomato juice, tomato sauce and coffee, InteliHealth points out. This may help prevent the acid reflux that contributes to laryngitis. Waiting two to three hours before lying down after eating also reduces symptoms. Raising the head of the bed six inches to elevate the upper chest and voice box can reduce symptoms. Antacid and medication that reduces stomach acid production can prevent acid reflux and help recover from laryngitis.
