My voice as slowly been getting raspy and most of the time it is only a whisper. I have been examined by an ENT and he says there is nothing wrong. I have been diagnosed with acid reflux which I didn't even know I had. Can the acid reflux affect my vocal cords and cause this?
3/ 8/10 9:37pm
Unfortunately, yes, it can cause laryngitis/hoarseness/coughing, etc. The more subtle symptoms of reflux are often times not realized because we don't think of them as reflux. I got laryngitis frequently with the worst being three bouts of laryngitis the year before I got "heartburn" and started taking reflux meds. One of these bouts lasted three weeks.
I've been on reflux meds for a couple of years now and haven't had laryngitis since. But, when I notice I'm throat clearing more or coughing more, I try to watch my diet more and increase my meds if needed.
You can read more about the symptoms of reflux here:
http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/introduction-000085_4-145.html?ic=4004
Best of Luck - Stephanie
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By NJNW— Last Modified: 11/17/10, First Published: 03/08/10
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