REFLUX LARYNGITIS

REFLUX LARYNGITIS

Reflux Laryngitis is swelling of the voice organ (larynx) accelerated by stomach acid that surfaces into the throat. This generally occurs around evening time when you’re sleeping. Different terminologies for this issue involves gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), heartburn, and chronic laryngitis. Behaviour changes can decrease symptoms; these include weight loss, avoidance of exacerbating exposures such as alcohol and coffee, and quitting smoking. Medical therapy includes proton pump inhibitors, and in select patients, surgical Nissen fundoplication may be an option. Ruling out severe disorders, such as laryngeal cancer, should be completed before initiating medical therapy.

Who can be affected by reflux laryngitis?

Anybody can get reflux laryngitis, but it occurs more often as people age. People who are more likely to have this condition are those who:

  • Have certain dietary habits
  • Consistently wear tight or binding clothing
  • Are overweight
  • Are overstressed

SYMPTOMS

Having a dry, harsh voice that is heightened in the morning and after eating is the most common symptom. Recognizable symptoms linked with reflux laryngitis includes a low pitch voice, burning in the throat, coughing, excessive mucus, bitter or sour taste in the mouth, loud voice, and symptoms getting worse with spicy foods.

TREATMENT

Antacids neutralize stomach acid and give immediate relief,  and are best used 30-60 minutes after each meal and at bedtime.

  • Try to have your most substantial meal of the day at noon
  • Give the stomach several hours to empty before you go to bed. Try not to eat after your evening meal
  • Skip foods that aggravate symptoms like tomatoes, onions, chocolate, peppermint, citrus, and spicy or fried food
  • Go for a diet that is high-carbohydrate, low-fat, and high-protein
  • Avoid lying down after eating
  • Stay away from caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and tobacco
  • Weight loss, if indicated
  • Avoid drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.), theophylline (in tea, too), anticholinergics, and calcium channel blockers

Medications available over the counter or by prescription for reflux also include the acid-blocking drugs (ranitidine), now available without a prescription. Other valuable medications include cisapride and metoclopramide, which help empty the stomach; the proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole; and sucralfate to increase the resistance of the lining tissue of the stomach to acid.

If conservative therapy fails, a surgical procedure (fundoplication) is done to strengthen the muscle valve (lower esophagal sphincter).

Prevention

The symptoms of reflux laryngitis can decrease if you nap with the top of the bed elevated. Remain physically active and exercise. You can opt for running, walking, or yoga for weight loss. Also, mindful eating can facilitate managing reflux laryngitis. See to it that you follow a well-balanced lifestyle.

Take medicine as prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without discussing this with your doctor. You may not see results for several weeks. This medication typically causes no side effects, although some people may experience bloating.

Adjust your diet by doing the following:

  • Learn to eat more frequent, smaller meals during the day.
  • Do not eat within 3 hours before lying down and going to bed.
  • Avoid foods and beverages that increase stomach acid. These include alcohol, carbonated drinks, caffeine products, chocolate, tomatoes, citrus juices, and peppermint.
  • Avoid fatty food, spicy and fried foods, and foods high in acid content.
  • Cut down on dairy products in your diet.
  • Avoid starches and foods made with white flour. This includes pasta, white bread, crackers, chips, snackgrains, potatoes, and white rice.
  • Drink six or more glasses of water each day. Each glass of water is equal to 8 ounces.

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