Do stomach problems or hiatal hernia affect the voice?
Gastrointestinal disorders commonly cause voice complaints. The sphincter (a one-way valve) between the stomach and esophagus is notoriously weak. In gastroesophageal reflux laryngitis, stomach acid refluxes through this weak sphincter into the throat allowing droplets of the irritating gastric acid to come in contact with the vocal folds, and even to be aspirated into the lungs. Reflux may occur with or without a hiatal hernia. Common symptoms of reflux laryngitis are hoarseness especially in the morning, prolonged vocal warm-up time, bad breath, sensation of a lump in the throat, chronic sore throat, cough, and a dry or coated mouth. Typical heartburn is frequently absent. Over time, uncontrolled reflux may cause cancer of the esophagus and larynx. So, this condition should be treated aggressively and conscientiously. Physical examination of the larynx usually reveals a bright red, often slightly swollen appearance of the arytenoid mucosa which helps establish the diagnosis. A barium
