Reflux Laryngitis InformationReflux laryngitis causes chronic hoarseness normally associated with other symptoms of inflammation of the esophagus, such as heartburn, where it usually causes hoarseness. GERD isn't always a benign disease, and when left untreated, chronic GERD can lead to esophageal damage. GERD contributes to asthma, noncardiac chest pain, and other problems. GERD is the backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube or esophagus, where this acid can irritate and sometimes damage the delicate lining on the inside of the esophagus. Acute laryngitis is often caused by a secondary bacterial infection triggered by infecting agents causing such illnesses as colds, measles, whooping cough, or influenza. It can also result from straining the voice, drinking hot liquids, or exposure to irritating gases. Although acute laryngitis is usually due to a viral or bacterial infection, yelling or screaming also causes throat irritation and hoarseness. Chronic hoarseness appears to be an increasingly common problem in children, and the conventional wisdom in the medical community is that benign vocal fold nodules are the most common cause of this problem. Chronic hoarseness may lead to chronic laryngitis (such as vocal abuse, allergy), laryngeal carcinoma, lesions of the vocal cords, trauma to the vocal cords, systemic disease (such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, vitalization), or psychogenic disorder. Chronic laryngitis and difficult-to- treat sore throat are associated with acid reflux in as many as 60% of patients, and GERD is the third leading cause of chronic cough (after sinus problems and asthma), accounting for 20% of cases. Chronic laryngitis may need more treatment, for example if you keep getting laryngitis because of a problem with the way you talk or sing, you may need speech training. Chronic upper respiratory tract symptoms such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and allergies can also cause chronic laryngitis. Gastroesophageal reflux is also a common cause of occurrences of laryngitis. Although chronic acid reflux problems are commonly associated with symptoms such as laryngitis, sore throat and swallowing difficulties, a constantly upset stomach and a frequent sensation of vomiting and belching are also among the common acid reflux symptoms. Chronic throat clearing of mucus, and the presence of a sore throat are also common symptoms. Reflux laryngitis is often characterized by hoarseness, voice fatigue, and breaking of the voice, especially towards the latter part of the day. |