Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid rises through the esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach. Two common categories of acid reflux are:
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). LPR is a form of acid reflux wherein stomach acid rises to the throat. LPR doesn’t present with the typical acid reflux symptoms (heartburn or indigestion) but may cause hoarseness, laryngitis, chronic throat clearing and more.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a better-known form of acid reflux occurring when acid flows through the esophagus, irritating its lining and causing heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, trouble swallowing, hoarseness and more.
LPR contributes to hoarseness in up to 55% of patients with impaired voice function. When you experience chronic acid reflux, your voice may become hoarse due inflammation and soreness in the throat from acid. Antacids, medications to reduce or block acid production, and surgeries may be available treatments depending on the cause of your acid reflux.
If acid reflux is causing hoarseness-induced voice changes, you may be able to treat it with a few home remedies.
Honey and Tea
A warm cup of tea and honey can soothe and provide moisture to your throat, reducing the impact acid reflux has on your voice. Add a little local honey from Save Your Bees to your favorite herbal tea for a comforting and throat-soothing beverage.
Add Moisture to the Air
Dry air can contribute to the sore throat caused by your acid reflux. Running a humidifier can add the necessary moisture to your throat. If you do not have a humidifier, run a hot shower and sit in the bathroom with a towel stuffed under the door. The hot shower will create a steam room effect and help soothe your sore throat.
Hard Candy and Cough Drops
Sucking on a hard candy or cough drop can provide moisture to the throat. Consider picking up some ginger hard candy to calm your stomach acid while simultaneously soothing your throat.
If acid reflux is causing a sore throat or voice change, contact ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons today to make an appointment with one of our specialists to discuss treatment.