All about Acid Reflux and Its Effects on Your Throat
Some people think that acid reflux is a very rare condition and that almost no one experiences it. However, the truth is that it is more common than one would think. A study years ago indicates that around 20% to 30% of adult Americans experience acid reflux symptoms every week, an alarming number, for sure.
In such a case, everyone must know more about it, especially its various effects on the human throat.
1. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
LPR is one of the most common effects of acid reflux on the larynx or the vocal cords. In this case, when acid reflux occurs, it travels up the esophagus, causing irritation, and this is the primary cause of inflammation of the throat.
And in many cases, this inflammation is characterized by a very achy feeling. However, it is important to note that the main symptom of LPR is actually a change in the voice.
2. Chronic Coughing
Again, it is also called laryngopharyngeal reflux because the larynx or the vocal cords are the most affected. The acid reflux irritates the throat, resulting in a lot of coughing and throat clearing.
This is somewhat similar to the sensation of having peanut bits stuck on the surface of your throat, causing you to couch every time.
3. Swollen Vocal Cords
One shocking effect of acid reflux is that it can also cause swollen vocal cords. If the irritation is severe, there may also be a bruise. Acid reflux can also lead to chronic throat clearing, which can be compared to coughing, but with a lot of throat-clearing sounds.
4. Open Sores on the Vocal Cords
If acid reflux irritation is severe and prolonged, it can cause open sores on your vocal cords. These sores are really painful, especially when you speak.
You will feel like you have a sore throat, but the truth is that you actually have sores on the vocal cords.
These open sores are usually very painful, as well as very annoying.
5. Long-term and Permanent Injury on the Vocal Cords
If you get acid reflux for a long time and you do not take the necessary steps to treat it, the damage can be really severe.
In fact, it can even be permanent, which means that the vocal cords will no longer work properly.
What Are the Recommended Lifestyle Changes for People with Acid Reflux?
a) Lose Weight
According to a study, most people who have acid reflux are overweight or obese. It is because acid reflux is usually caused by the sphincter muscle, which is the muscle that separates the esophagus and the stomach.
If the sphincter muscle is weak, it can cause acid reflux. In addition, it is also proven that being overweight also causes acid reflux.
b) Change Your Diet
Once again, diet plays a big role in acid reflux. Spicy food, carbonated drinks, and acidic foods are the top three culprits. To reduce acid reflux, you have to avoid taking these foods, which are pretty much all of the foods that most people consume.
c) Quit Smoking
Smoking is also a big reason why you have acid reflux. It is because smoking causes the cells to produce mucus, which leads to a lot of acid reflux because of the acid in the stomach.
d) Drink More Water
It is important for you to drink plenty of water, especially when you are experiencing acid reflux. It is not just because it is the best way to cure your acid reflux but also because it is the best way to hydrate your vocal cords.
Conclusion
As you can see, acid reflux is quite common, and it has a variety of negative effects on your throat and your overall health.
From the mere sensation of having a peanut stuck in your throat to developing open sores on your vocal cords, it can definitely lead to a lot of health problems in the long run.
Thus, if you are experiencing its various symptoms, the best option for you is to visit a doctor who can give you the best treatment for it.
If you want to learn more about this particular health condition, such as if probiotics can help with acid reflux, look no further than our tips and tricks here at Reflux Away. Our sources are here to explain what acid reflux and heartburn are, how it affects your mind and body, and how you can treat them with our detailed guides and articles. Feel free to check out more of our write-ups for all the health tips that you need.