Losing Your Voice Due to Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a disorder whereby the sphincter at the top of the stomach cannot effectively stop stomach acid from re-entering the oesophagus. The oesophagus is a tube that connects the throat with the stomach. Consequently, your throat becomes sore and you develop a cough. You may mistake your acid reflux symptoms for a common cold or the flu. However, acid reflux symptoms do not go away even though you may take cold treatments.

In some cases, the acid reflux symptom of a sore throat can cause you to lose your voice completely. In addition you may experience a burning sensation in the oesophagus as food passes along it, as well as stomach pains and upsets. In severe cases the stomach acid can travel far enough up the oesophagus so that it reaches the junction that leads to the lungs. This can then result in small amounts of acid entering the lungs; thus resulting in coughs and general irritation.

When the throat becomes affected, your voice will start to change. If left to persist, it can cause shortness of breath and permanent damage to the vocal chords. Changes in the voice can be detected via a loss of volume, a deepening of the tone or hoarseness. This is potentially a very serious acid reflux symptom. You can lose your voice permanently if you do not take treatment action.

In addition to the throat and the vocal chords the lungs and trachea (the tubes leading to the lungs) can also become damaged. The trachea is lined with millions of tiny hair-like structures that trap particles of dust and food before they reach the lungs. Acid unfortunately kills these tiny hairs so that the lungs become vulnerable to infections, which are also a common acid reflux symptom in severe cases.

Generally, treating acid reflux early enough is possible. In fact, making some simple changes to your diet have profound effects. You can best avoid foods that are acidic in nature. Find out from your doctor what you can eat or cannot eat. The objective is to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Foods that stimulate the stomach are deemed to be bad if you have any acid reflux symptom. You are also advised to abstain from alcoholic drinks.

In long-term cases your throat and vocal chords can become so damaged that your doctor may recommend surgery. Small polyps are a common acid reflux symptom. They continue to grow until they begin to affect the ability to swallow, and can become cancerous eventually.

Although it appears that there is no cure for acid reflux, you can possibly treat it with a sensible diet and appropriate medications. Should you observe that you are experiencing acid reflux symptoms and that your voice is increasingly hoarse, then you should seek medical attention rightaway. Remember if you hesitate too long to take action, you risk losing your voice completely for good.

Acid reflux symptoms can be easily treated with diet and lifestyle changes. For more information and resource, please visit this site here at www.treat-acid-reflux.com

The Cause Of Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux disease is caused by acid from the stomach continuously being forced, or splashed back up into the esophagus tube. This reflux acid causes irritation.

If we can visualize the stomach as jelly bean shape or J shape with a 10? tube attached to the top. At the lower end of this tube is a ring of tissue or smooth muscle called a esophageal sphincter (LES). At the lower end of the stomach is another sphincter muscle valve.

Acid reflux disease has to do with this sphincter muscle between the lower esophagus and upper stomach. How it opens and close, and the strength or weakness of this valve is involved. The normal position of this valve is closed position. This is to keep stomach acid, food, and drink from being regurgitated back up into the esophageal tube.

The whole digestive system begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. When food is swallowed and enters into the esophagus, it takes only a few seconds for the food to be moved down into the stomach. There are smooth muscles all along the esophagus that quickly moves the food down. The one way valve at the bottom automatically opens to allow the food into the stomach. This valve is to instantly open and close tight behind the exodus of food.

There are certain foods, situations, and stresses that can cause this valve to weaken to allow a back splash of stomach acid, food, and drink to be forced back up into the esophagus tube.

Peoples esophageal sphincter valve will relax at different times to allow a small amount of acid reflux or splash into the esophagus. This is called a physiologic reflux. Most people and children do not have this problem.

For some people, this sphincter valve is weak - it either does not contract properly, or may relax too long or too frequently. Acid reflux disease occurs when the esophageal sphincter valve either does not close at all or relaxes to often.

It is possible that the acid can be thrown so high with such force, that it ends up in your throat, vocal cords and breathed down into your bronchial tubes, causing loss of voice or hoarseness and asthma.

Many things can cause the acid to be forced back up and out of the stomach. Different foods and medications can relax the LES valve, such as hard coughing, bending over, being overweight, lying down after eating or drinking, smoking, tight clothing like belts and girdles and vigorous exercise of different kinds.

When overweight, this fat around the midsection can also cause acid reflux disease. This is because the excess fat that you carry puts pressure on the inner organs. All the organs are effected because of the restrictions of space, including your stomach.

Once you know the things that cause or contributes to acid reflux disease, then you can take steps to ease and heal the problem. By educating yourself, eliminating the causative factor from your lives, using natural healing methods such as probiotics, correct eating, internal cleansing, and taking control of your stresses then you will begin to turn your acid reflux disease around.

Article by Jeannie Crabtree C.Ac. Grab your free report on Acid Reflux and learn what to do about Acid Reflux Disease naturally.

Acid Reflux and the Risk of Ulcers

You probably spend more time thinking about your stomach -- what to feed it, when to feed it, how to keep it from sticking out so much -- than any other organ. A minor problem with another part of your body might go unnoticed, but when there?s something wrong with your stomach, you know it immediately.

Consequently, ailments like acid reflux and ulcers get a lot of attention. They?re sort of ?Everyman? diseases, striking old and young, rich and poor, many times regardless of lifestyle (though some lifestyle choices can make them worse). Since both acid reflux and ulcers are caused by acid, it?s natural to think one will inevitably lead to the other. But that?s not necessarily the case.

You see, acid reflux is the result of acid from the stomach rising up into the esophagus. This can happen because the stomach is over-full and the acid is forced upward, or because there?s been some damage to the sphincter that separates the stomach from the esophagus. Contrary to popular belief, acid reflux does NOT happen because the stomach has produced too much acid. The amount of acid is irrelevant. It?s the fact that the acid is bubbling up into the esophagus, where it doesn?t belong, that?s the problem.

Ulcers, on the other hand, are usually caused by infection from a bacterium called H. pylori. It?s commonly believed that ulcers are the product of stress, but that?s a myth. Stress can make the symptoms worse, or make the sufferer more aware of the symptoms, but stress does not cause the ulcer out of nowhere. You could be the most stressed-out person in the world and you?d never get an ulcer if it weren?t for that H. pylori bacterium or some other specific ulcer-causing substance.

So while ulcers and acid reflux both involve stomach acid, their causes -- and thus their treatments -- are very different. Having acid reflux will not cause you to get an ulcer, too. If you have both, treating the ulcer infection will take care of that problem, but it will do nothing for the acid reflux. That?ll require its own separate treatment.

As with so many health problems, both ulcers and acid reflux can often be prevented through healthy diet and exercise. For acid reflux, it?s important to avoid over-eating and eating fatty foods. Don?t lie down right after a big meal, so eat meals early in the evening to give your food a chance to digest before bedtime. Remember that chocolate and peppermint (among other foods) can trigger reflux, as can alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. Losing excess weight and exercising regularly can also do wonders for preventing reflux.

Most of those precautions work for ulcers, too. In addition, aspirin and ibuprofen can cause ulcers, so taking those drugs as sparingly as possible may help prevent them. And get this: People with type O blood are 35 percent more likely to get ulcers than people with other types. So if you?re an O, you would do well to take extra precautions.

Ultimately, there is little connection between ulcers and acid reflux other than the fact that they both have to do with stomach acid. Luckily, a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chances of getting either ailment, and there are adequate treatments available in case your precautions fail. For the most part, if you take care of your stomach, your stomach will take care of you.

Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in Acid Reflux. For further information on Acid Reflux please visit Acid Reflux or Acid Reflux Symptoms

Small Investment Goes a Long Way - Dealing with Acid Reflux in Infants

You know what it feels like when you push away from the table after your favorite spicy meal ? satisfying. You also know what it?s like an hour or so later when you feel the payback of the meal with a burning in your stomach.

Does the burning fire churning in your stomach equal the pleasure of the meal? When you first sat down you had a good idea what the end result would be. You made the choice of taking that fork and putting to your mouth, infants on the other hand don?t enjoy that luxury.

As we grow older we learn of the foods we should avoid or only enjoy in small quantities or special occasions. Infants on the other hand don?t get to make those choices. Often their eating times are run a schedule. When they experience heartburn or acid reflux, they communicate that discomfort with crying.

Face it, no one wants to experience indigestion or the symptoms of heartburn. Stop for just a moment and think how painful the burning of stomach acid must be to an infant or young child?

Indigestion in infants, no matter what form, is painful, not just the child but everyone involved. I?m sure if you asked any of the millions of parents how many of them would gladly take the sickness and pain their child is experiencing on themselves if they could, just to give their infant some relief. The answer who be a resounding ? ?give it to me!?

Infants with acid reflux or indigestion are usually treated with some form of medication. Pediatricians will often prescribe medication acid reducers such as Prevacid or Zantac, which reduce stomach acid production.

Acid reflux is very common in infants and remedies such as medication now come in water-soluble forms and can be mixed with breast milk or formula, plus it dissolves almost immediately upon contact with the mouth. This makes administering medication much easier and effective almost instantly.

A friend?s child was treated with Prevacid and also took over the counter Mylanta. The doctor said it would treat the infants acid reflux symptoms since it immediately soothed the esophagus and stomach lining, reducing the burning sensation and discomfort.

Now at one year of age, this toddler is not taking any medication for acid reflux and runs around like any healthy child his age. There were absolutely no ill side effects from taking the medication prescribed, and the medication helped the whole family sleep better, the child spit up less was more comfortable, lead to a much happier babyhood.

With a passion for helping others Jill Seimer shares healthy lifestyle at RefluxLife.com She recently discussed Acid Reflux in Infants from a personal perspective

A Positive Impact - Your Thinking Indigestion and Acid Reflux

Most people dismiss the power of positive thinking as something that only the most deluded people believe in. The mind is a powerful tool and has incredible control over and effect on the body. Positive thinking used in the right way and at the right time can have huge benefits for people suffering from a great many different medical conditions. Acid reflux is no different in this regard.

There are 9 individual steps in using positive thinking for yourself.

1. Clearly define a goal and purpose. In your case this will be acid reflux and the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. Never, ever have more than one goal or purpose - it will only confuse matters for you. Choose a single goal and stick to it.

2. Take a step back from the situation you are in and tell yourself what you need to do. Using a gentle and confident tone tell yourself what you need to do to reach your goal.

3. Give yourself advice in a way that you would give advice to a friend. Reassure yourself and use common sense. Always follow your own best advice yourself.

4. Have belief in yourself and give yourself encouragement. Do not become overly enthusiastic when doing so. Remain calm and sincere when encouraging yourself.

5. Provide yourself with reasons for reaching your goals. Always keep the reasons why you need to overcome specific obstacles in the front of your mind. Remind yourself of past successes so that you know you are making progress. Remind yourself of your own strengths. Strong and positive reasons will be enough to keep you motivated and give you the strength and determination to reach the goal you have set yourself.

6. Aim for your favorite positive emotion. Be positive, cheerful and enthusiastic. Having a loving attitude is one of the best to have as it can have the most positive effect on you. Determination is another great emotion to use. This will keep you moving forward even when you find yourself struggling.

7. Practice anti-negativity each day. This simply means to do what you can to get rid of the negative, self-defeating thinking going on in your head. Attack these negative thoughts with all your strength so that you can find a neutral ground to make further progress from.

8. Keep the sentences and phrases you use short and simple. Make sure they are directed at a specific action or bearing.

9. Repeat what works. As you develop positive thinking skills you will notice that you use certain processes or activities more than others. Use them often and use them well.

Does the power of positive thinking actually work? Some say it has no power at all but how can you know without trying? Use the power of your mind to try and overcome acid reflux and indigestion - what have you got to lose?

Passionate about helping others Jill Seimer reports on healthy lifestyle at RefluxLife.com Recently publishing Acid Reflux in Children she shares her views on dealing with infant acid reflux.

Acid Drug Reflux

You know you have acid reflux, and you know you get it after your meals. But what about the other times when you suffer that burning sensation? The times when acid reflux attacks you and you haven't even eaten yet? Perhaps you might have noticed that an attack occurs only after you've taken a painkiller? If so, then you might be having what is known as acid drug reflux.

Acid reflux happens when the acids from digesting foods comes back into the lower esophagus area. This occurs when the LES or lower esophageal sphincter muscle gets weakened or functions improperly. The burning sensation is due to the fact that the esophageal lining is unable to withstand the rising acidic levels. This is acid reflux.

It's not as uncommon as you would believe, and most people are at risk from acid drug reflux. You wouldn't have even noticed anything amiss in the beginning, perhaps a slight twinge or two, but nothing that didn't go away soon thereafter. But then you noticed that it started getting worse, and worse. Every time you had a headache, or muscle ache you would also get acid reflux right along with it.

Still you continue to shrug it off, after all it's normal right? Millions of people suffer from it daily, therefore it's nothing to complain about. That's where you would be wrong. With stomach disorders, or any other disorder for that matter, it is always good to get a medical opinion as soon as possible to rule out that it isn't actually something worse.

Acid drug reflux however, occurs when your stomach lining becomes damaged due to a consumption of certain types of drugs, over a period of time. And in today's stress filled anxiety ridden workday, where you're always 'on', and don't have the luxury to switch off even for a few minutes, it is very easy to resort to taking a little pill to stave off impending disaster.

Mainly the culprit for acid drug reflux can be found in aspirin, or any other drug containing aspirin. Wham! There just went your source of staying power for the day. The one thing you could count on, to keep the little gremlins in your head, away. The good news though is that there are painkillers out there that don't depend on aspirin in any form to support them.

Unfortunately there is another cause for acid drug reflux, and that pill isn't taken for the pleasure of it but out of necessity. NSAIDs, or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, are generally prescribed to people suffering form arthritis, and unfortunately leave them vulnerable to the effects of acid drug reflux. One type of NSAID that most of us will recognize is Ibuprofen, therefore ruling out any Ibuprofen drugs as well. It's only a few points to ponder, but the next time you reach so readily for those aspirin or Ibuprofen based painkillers, remember what you're doing to your body and think twice, because after all, you only live once.

It's only a few points to ponder, but the next time you reach so readily for those aspirin or Ibuprofen based painkillers, remember what you're doing to your body and think twice, because after all, you only live once.

Publisher of the web site on heartburn, what causes heartburn, how to prevent heartburn. Publisher of The Heartburn Cure Book: http://www.ultimateheartburntips.com Author for The Best Hawaii Travel Site: http://www.besthawaiitravel.net

Acid Reflux - Causes

Acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) occurs when the liquid that is in the stomach backs up into the esophagus. This is usually a condition which persists throughout the life of the individual. Because the acid backs up into the esophagus, the esophagus may be damaged.

Acid reflux (GERD) can have many causes. The action of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) may be one cause. The esophagus connects to the stomach. There is a muscle ring that goes around the end of the esophagus at the point where it meets the stomach. This is the LES. When we eat or drink the LES allows the food to pass into the stomach and then the muscle ring closes so the food does not reflux. People with acid reflux (GERD) may have abnormalities with their LES. The LES may have a weak contraction so there is a very good chance of reflux. Or, the LES may be too relaxed. The longer the LES is open (relaxed) reflux can easily occur.

Another cause of acid reflux (GERD) is a hiatal hernia. Some people with acid reflux have hiatal hernias and some do not. Hiatal hernias are not a pre-requisite for acid reflux, but a large amount of people with acid reflux DO have hiatal hernias. A hiatal hernia disrupts the location of the LES. The LES should be on a level with the diaphragm but due to the hiatal hernia the LES is pushed up and lies in the chest. This is a problem because the diaphragm is a large part of helping the LES to prevent reflux. Now the pressure of both the LES and diaphragm are not working as a strong unit. The hiatal hernia contributes to the reflux because of the decreased pressure.

Acid reflux can also be caused by a hiatal hernia due to the hernial sac. The location of the sac is near the esophagus. Acid gets trapped in the sac. Because the sac is so close to the esophagus, when the LES relaxes, it is easy to reflux.

The hiatal hernia can lead to acid reflux in a third way. Normally the esophagus connects to the stomach at an angle creating a flap of tissue. The hiatal hernia leads to the flap becoming warped and therefore it is useless to stop reflux.

People with acid reflux have a problem with the contraction of the esophageal muscles when they swallow. This is an issue because the contraction pushes all of the items in the esophagus into the stomach. If there is not a good contraction then the acid does not get pushed back and remains in the esophagus. Smoking disturbs the clearing of the esophagus too. It takes about six hours from the last cigarette you smoke for the effect on the esophagus to wear off.

Acid reflux is most common after meals. It is always better to be vertical so gravity can help the acid move down into the stomach. Large meals are not recommended for people with acid reflux.

There are many different reasons people may have acid reflux. Learning the cause may help in your quest to relieve some of the discomfort of acid reflux.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Acid Reflux

Children And Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a condition normally associated with adults. Sadly, many children also suffer the effects of acid reflux.

This desease, also referred to as gastro-esophageal reflux, occurs when stomach contents churn and rise up into the esophagus, the tube connecting the stomach with the mouth. A muscle between the esophagus and the stomach, known as the lower esophageal sphincter, is responsible for keeping the stomach closed off until food is swallowed. The lower esophageal sphincter then opens up and allows the food into the stomach before closing again. Although Acid reflux can begin during infancy, it can carry over into early childhood.

Though quite common in children, most people are not aware of it's occurrence. In most cases, the process of gastro-esophageal reflux occurs quickly, the acid comes up into the esophagus and then rapidly goes back down into the stomach. In this case, the esophagus suffers no damage. However, if the stomach acid stays in the esophagus, it damages the esophagus lining. In some cases, the stomach contents rise up all the way into the mouth, only to be swallowed again. This process causes a number of symptoms such as a chronic cough, or a hoarse voice. More serious symptoms can include difficulty in swallowing, wheezing, and chronic pneumonia.

Anyone who suspects that their child is afflicted with acid reflux, should have the child seen by his or her pediatrician. After examining the child and evaluating the symptoms, the doctor may run tests to diagnose whether acid reflux is present. Often, the doctor will begin treatment before testing for acid reflux.

In one of the tests, called an upper GI-series X-ray, the child's X-ray is taken after being given a glass of barium to drink. This particular test is successfully used to locate hiatal hernias, blockages, and other gastrointestinal problems.

Another test, thought to be more effective than the X-ray, is the endoscopy. Typically, the child is sedated and put to sleep during the test. An endoscope, which is a thin, flexible plastic tube with a camera attached to the end, is then placed inside the throat. With the help of endoscope, the doctor is directly able to examine the esophagus lining, stomach, and a portion of the small intestine. The endoscopy also allows the doctor to perform a biopsy rather painlessly.

Yet another test, the esophageal pH probe, may also be used. This test consists of using an extremely light, and ultra-thin wire with an acid sensor tip and inserting it through the patient's nose and into the lower esophagus. This method is used to detect and record the presense of stomach acid in the esophagus.
Hanif Khaki is the acclaimed author of numerous health related articles and the founder of the popular acid reflux site http://www.acid-reflux.expert-health.com

Acid Reflux Symptoms and Treatment

 Acid reflux (also known as GERD or heartburn) is a common condition -- Over 60 million Americans experience it at least once a month.

For some, acid reflux is a temporary phenomenon experienced only when eating too much, or eating particular types of food e.g. spicy foods. But for many others, acid reflux can be a painful and persistent condition.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter (that normally closes after swallowing to prevent stomach contents from escaping) malfunctions and allows stomach acid to travel up the oesophagus. When this occurs, a painful sensation is felt.

What are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?

The symptoms of acid reflux are a painful burning sensation in the upper chest and/or regurgitation of acid into the mouth. Some patients will even develop nausea although this is less common. Although often called heartburn, the pain should not be mistaken for that associated with a true heart attack or cardiac arrest which would be accompanied by tightness of and pounding in the chest, weakness and feeling faint.

What are the Treatments for Acid Reflux?

Fortunately there are many treatments available for acid reflux.

Antacids are usually the first port of call for many acid reflux sufferers. For short term and infrequent attacks of acid reflux, these provide much needed temporary relief. However, as a long term solution they are not suitable and alternatives should be sought.

Any sufferer of regular acid reflux should keep a diary of everything they eat and drink. Over time, patterns can be established and many people report elimination or reduction of acid reflux symptoms after changing their diet accordingly to eliminate problematic food or drink.

If dietary changes have little or no effect, there are various families of drugs that are available over the counter and on prescription.

PPIs, or proton pump inhibitors, are often prescribed and successful drugs. These work by inhibiting production of the stomach acid that causes acid reflux. They have relatively limited side effects. H2 blockers are a different family of drugs that have the same effect but work in a different way. For the vast majority of long term acid reflux sufferers, PPIs and H2 blockers are a successful drug therapy. Some people, however, fail to respond to treatment with PPIs and H2 blockers and their only option are more radical drugs known as promotility agents. Unfortunately, these can have very severe side effects and are therefore rarely prescribed.

Lastly, for those who fail to respond to drug treatment, or simply want an alternative to the daily inconvenience of taking drugs, surgery is an option. New techniques are constantly being developed, some of which include procedures such as Enteryx Procedure, Stretta Procedure, Nissen Fundoplication and Endocinch. Your doctor will be able to give you more advice on these surgery options.

For more information and in-depth analysis of the treatment of acid reflux, visit Acid Reflux Treatment.


acid reflux diseaseandy casasantaWhat is acid reflux disease?

Acid reflux disease can and often is mistaken for heartburn. But the heartburn symptoms of acid reflux disease usually occur 2 or more days a week for at least 3 months and can damage your esophagus. At the top of your stomach is a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which normally opens and closes allowing food to enter. It also prevents the acid in your stomach from backing up into your esophagus. The trouble begins when the LES opens at inappropriate times, allowing acid from the stomach to get into the esophagus, where it doesn't belong. Acid reflux disease can also lead to more serious medical conditions that may require hospitalization. Acid reflux in the throat can cause sore throat. If acid reaches the mouth, it can dissolve the enamel of the teeth. Millions of people have the disease and suffer from its most common symptom - frequent and persistent heartburn. Acid reflux disease can be treated and controlled.


How do you get Acid Reflux?

Factors contributing to acid reflux include fatty foods, cigarettes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, obesity, pregnancy and delayed stomach emptying. Obesity and pregnancy increase pressures within the abdomen (body trunk), pushing the stomach contents back into the esophagus. Some patients have stomachs that empty their contents into the intestines very slowly.

How serious is Acid Reflux?
The lining of the esophagus may become ulcerated and can result in narrowing, making swallowing of food and, sometimes, liquids, painful and difficult. In people with esophagitis, there may also be an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus.

How long does Acid Reflux last?
Acid reflux can last several months or longer if not treated.

How is Acid Reflux treated?
Antacids are medicines that are commonly used to treat acid-related symptoms, like heartburn or indigestion, and work by neutralizing acid in the stomach. However, they are not usually recommended to treat the frequent heartburn suffered by people with GERD.

Mr Andy Casasanta. Has devoted a portion of his life to health and well being for himself and others. All the subjects of his articles has effected his life in one way or another. Which has inspired him to create a tremendous health and pharmacy website. In this site you will find up to 40 health articles and growing, a 7000 reciprocal link exchange page and Generic medications. Savings of up to 80% on all popular drugs. Viagra, Lipitor, meridia, and hundreds more all for pennies on the dollar. Please visit

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