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RX for Singers: What is Acid Reflux?
While a sore throat can be a minor
inconvenience in most professions, it can mean disaster for the singer.
But before you brew another pot of tea with honey, you ought to make
sure your problem really lies in the throat and not in the stomach. When
digestive acids splash up into the esophagus and inflame the surrounding
tissues they can cause "reflux laryngitis", symptoms of which
can be a chronic sticking pain or a constant lump in the throat. In
severe cases, scar tissue may develop on the vocal cord, but usually the
cords themselves are not effected.
Despite this, the singer can still strain
his voice by constantly adjusting his technique to accommodate that lump
or tightness in the throat. Tissues produce extra protective mucus in
response, resulting in a low-grade chronic cough and constant throat
clearing. These last symptoms, besides driving a singer crazy, can
damage her vocal cords. "Reflux" can also trigger asthma
symptoms.
To treat the condition, one must limit
acid production and keep it away from the throat.
Tips on Preventing
Acid Reflux
The following tips can provide dramatic
relief in about a week.
 | Eat smaller amounts of food in one
sitting, and eat more slowly. |
| Don't eat or drink for two hours
before bedtime, and don't lie down after meals. |
| Avoid alcohol, caffeine (coffee, tea,
chocolate and soda), citrus juices, fatty, fried or spicy foods,
peppermints, spearmints and tomatoes-they all increase acid
production. |
| Cut out activities involving lifting
or straining that cause tension in the upper body, like crunches or
bench presses, and wear loose abdominal garments. |
| Stop smoking, at least temporarily to
strengthen muscles between the esophagus and the stomach. |
| Elevate your head when you sleep, and
sleep on the left side of your body. This will prevent stomach
contents from spilling into the throat. |
| Take one tablespoon of antacid after
each meal, but not before checking with your doctor, especially if
you are taking any other medications, including antibiotics,
anti-depressants and asthma medications. |
These lifestyle changes could do wonders
for your technique as well as your peace of mind.
Meg Belviso, Managing Editor
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