Hoarseness is a change in voice quality.

Hoarseness lasting more than two weeks needs proper evaluation. A possible cause of hoarseness is GERD. Reflux from the stomach can track up into the larynx and pharynx. And when this happens the larynx can become inflamed and subsequently hoarseness can develop.

One patient came to see me with hoarseness that was worse in the morning especially when he woke up. He said that often during the night he would suddenly wake up with fluid rushing up his throat into his mouth. He would then sit up, then take a Rennie and go back to sleep. He never had any GI symptoms or heartburn. He smoked 40 cigarettes a day and drank coffee throughout the day. He always drank a few glasses of red wine at night to relax himself.

Examination revealed he had inflamed larynx and was diagnosed with reflux laryngitis. He was treated with a proton pump inhibitor and advised on lifestyle changes. He was advised to stop caffeine and alcohol and to give up smoking.

Reflux laryngitis and reflux pharyngitis are being diagnosed more commonly today and this is probably because it was not recognised in the past.

A news release from the Methodist Hospital, Houston highlighted an actor who relied on his voice and was unable to work. He was diagnosed with gastro-esophageal reflux and that GERD was the cause of the change in his voice quality. He was given medication and advised to drink adequate amount of water, avoid rigorous coughing, avoid smoking, have a balanced diet and limit the use of his voice.

So although hoarseness may be as a result of many factors, if it persists for more than two weeks, check it out. If you have GERD symptoms as well, it could be caused by GERD and acid reflux treatment may be necessary.

Dr. Phil Hariram.