Throat Problem Diagnosed

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone!

I saw my Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) doctor on Tuesday and learned what has been the

cause of my throat problems for the last 3 years. This is something that I would

like everyone on this group with throat pain to read.

My sore throat, problem swallowing, and loss of voice is caused by my Acid

Reflux. Yes I take a medication to treat my Acid Reflux. I take Protonix which

is a PPI. My ENT says very few doctors are aware of the fact that Acid Reflux

can cause problems with the throat.  When I was diagnosed with Acid Reflux I

made a few lifestyle changes along with the medication I thought it was under

control. Well I was wrong. In fact because the problem has gone on for so long I

could have permanent voice damage. I go to see a speech therapist on Tuesday

July 15th. At that appointment the Speech Therapist will take an image of my

voice box to determine how much damage has been done. I will also have to spend

several months with the speech therapist exercising my vocal cords to prevent

long term voice loss. If I don't do this I will always sound like I have

laryngitis.

I am putting this out for all people who have Acid Reflux or have Throat

trouble. Throat symptoms that could be caused by Acid Reflux: Frequent need to

clear your throat; Feeling like you are choking; chronic cough when you are not

sick; hoarseness; trouble swallowing; Sensation of having " a lump in the

throat " ; Sour or Acid Taste; Recurrent Sore Throat. If you have 1 or more of

these symptoms go see your Doctor. Also my ENT doctor says medication alone will

not help these symptoms you have to make the lifestyle changes to prevent acid

reflux. Diet Changes include: Avoid Fatty and Spicy Foods; Eat fewer acidic

foods such as citrus and tomato-based foods; Limit Alcohol, caffeine, and fizzy

(carbonated) beverages; Try limiting Chocolate. Change how and When you eat. For

Example: Try eating smaller amount more frequently; Avoid Eating for 3 to 4

hours before bed; Don't snack after the evening meal.  Other Lifestyle changes

that may help: Raise your head

when you sleep; lose any extra weight; Don't work out near Bedtime; Avoid tight

fitting clothes; Limit Asprin or Ibuprofen; Don't Smoke.

As always before making any changes in diet and medication always speak with

your Doctor.All the Throat Symptoms and Lifestyle and Diet changes came from a

pamphlet my ENT doctor gave me. It is called Acid Reflux: How it can Effect Your

Throat. It is published by Krames a medimedia USA company. To Order, call

.

If anyone has any questions please contact me. I encourage everyone to take note

of this and discuss it with your doctor if you have Acid Reflux or if you have

any of the throat symptoms. I especially encourage those who have both.

For those that live in Ohio (especially Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan)

Toledo ENT is where I go. My Doctor is Dr. Jay Jindal. He is an excellent ENT

doctor.

I hope this Information can help someone else.

Take Care,

Fayette, OH