Reflux laryngitis is caused by stomach acid flowing into the esophagus and irritating the voice box, resulting in chronic hoarseness, sore throat, and dry cough. Lifestyle changes and medication can treat the condition.
Reflux laryngitis is the chronic irritation and swelling of the voice box or larynx caused by the reflux of stomach acids into the esophagus. This reflux is the result of gastroesophageal acid reflux, or GERD. There is a muscular valve located where the esophagus and stomach meet that prevents stomach acid from flowing to the esophagus and larynx. When this muscular sphincter malfunctions, stomach acids can back up into the esophagus and irritate the vocal cords inside the voice box. Reflux laryngitis, a possible and common complication of GERD, is characterized by chronic hoarseness or loss of voice, sore or dry throat, and dry cough.
The vocal cords are inside the larynx or voice box. They are two mucous membranes folded around muscles and cartilage. Sound is produced when the vocal folds vibrate by opening and closing. When these strings swell and become irritated, sound is distorted and the voice can become so quiet that it is barely audible.
Stomach fluid includes acids used to digest food. These acids can irritate and even damage the esophagus and larynx if continuously exposed over time. Increased abdominal pressure can push these stomach acids back into the esophagus and cause heartburn, among other complications, such as reflux laryngitis.
Most cases of laryngitis are acute and caused by a temporary infection or by shouting or excessive use of the voice. In these cases, the symptoms can be relieved by resting the voice and drinking plenty of fluids such as water or juice. If the loss of voice and hoarseness persist for more than two weeks, reflux laryngitis becomes a possible diagnosis.
In addition to persistent voice loss and hoarseness, reflux laryngitis can cause other symptoms. Patients may clear their throat with increasing frequency or feel like they have a lump in their throat that cannot be resolved. A constant dry cough and an irritated sore throat are also typical complaints.
The typical symptom picture of chronic voice loss or hoarseness, associated with heartburn and GERD, often makes reflux laryngitis easy to diagnose. Patients who do not respond to treatment may need to undergo further tests such as esophagus, endoscopy or laryngoscopy. Further tests can help determine if chronic laryngitis is really a result of GERD and not smoking, alcohol abuse or sinusitis.
There are many treatment options for reflux laryngitis. Some treatments involve medications that prevent GERD. Other treatments involve lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding large dinners, and waiting several hours after eating to lie down. Whenever possible, alcohol, tobacco, and spicy and fried foods should also be avoided.
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