Acid Reflux: Types, symptoms and how it could impact your voice journey

Acid reflux is a common experience in which stomach acid flows up into the digestive tract. This can have a significant impact on the health of your voice. Acid reflux can be categorized as either gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). GERD is what most people associate with acid reflux in that it causes symptoms like painful heartburn, belching, regurgitation and difficulty swallowing because acid is flowing up to the level of the esophagus and causing swelling and irritation of the tissue. 

LPR, also known as “silent reflux”, is when that acid gets up into the larynx (aka the “voice box”). It is known as silent because it does not present with the symptoms commonly associated with acid reflux. This means that many people do not know that reflux is the root of their symptoms. LPR can cause hoarse or raspy vocal quality, globus sensation (a feeling of having a lump in the throat), chronic cough or throat clearing, sore throat, sinus pain, and increased mucus or post nasal drip.

How does acid reflux impact my voice?

The larynx is located next to the esophagus so regurgitation of acid into this area can cause significant inflammation and irritation of the vocal cords and the surrounding muscle and tissue. This inflammation may cause chronic coughing and throat clearing behaviors that then exacerbate the issue and amplify symptoms. This means that the sound quality of your voice as well as the health and stamina of your voice will be impacted. 

What does this mean for my gender-affirming voice journey?

Our top priority as voice therapists is that the voice we help our clients to cultivate is sustainable and healthy. Acid reflux can be a significant barrier to making progress in voice therapy and it’s important that it is addressed once it is identified. 

What are treatment options for acid reflux?

There are a variety of interventions for acid reflux including lifestyle and dietary changes, medication, and even surgery in the most severe cases. If your voice therapist suspects that you may be experiencing acid reflux, they will likely suggest that you see a gastroenterologist (GI) or an otolaryngologist (ENT) for formal diagnosis and treatment options.