Acid reflux can cause a scratchy throat and a breaking voice even without a cold, doctors say

There is no cold or cough, yet day after day there is a feeling that something is stuck in the throat, and sometimes the voice breaks — and repeatedly clearing the throat brings no relief. Doctors say that if such problems continue for a long time without a cold or cough, they should not be dismissed as an ordinary cold; the cause needs to be found.

According to doctors, acid reflux can also produce such symptoms. Dr H K Sushin Dutta of Bengaluru says that frequently clearing a scratchy throat or a voice that keeps breaking is one of the symptoms of acid reflux.

When stomach acid travels back up through the food pipe, it is called acid reflux. Sometimes that acid reaches the back of the throat and the voice box, causing irritation and discomfort.

This can lead to a scratchy feeling in the throat, a tendency to clear the throat repeatedly, a dry cough, or a hoarse voice. Some people have heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth, or a feeling that food is coming back up the throat. Symptoms can worsen after eating or when lying down at night.

Long-term exposure to acid can damage not only the throat but also the voice box. Inflammation or irritation can develop on the vocal cords, and repeated irritation can even cause small, benign growths such as granulomas on the vocal cords.

This can result in chronic voice breaks, hoarseness, or difficulty controlling the rise and fall of the voice. For people who must speak for long periods or sing as part of their profession, the problem can become even more uncomfortable.

Doctors say some lifestyle changes are needed to control acid reflux. If very spicy and oily, heavily spiced food worsens the problem, it should be avoided. Food should not be eaten immediately before going to sleep; a gap of at least two to three hours should be kept between dinner and bedtime.

If symptoms worsen at night, sleeping with the head of the bed slightly raised may help, on a doctor's advice. Keeping excess weight under control can also be beneficial.

Plenty of water should be drunk and the voice should not be strained; shouting or speaking loudly for long periods should be avoided. Antacids or other medicine may be taken if needed on a doctor's advice, but taking medicine regularly on one's own is not right. If the throat problem persists, voice exercises can also be learned with the help of a speech therapist.

If a scratchy throat, a breaking voice or heartburn continues for a long time, an ear, nose and throat specialist should be consulted. Throat discomfort is not always caused by a cold; identifying the cause in time and starting treatment can prevent long-term damage to the voice box.