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What Causes Difficult Breathing And Hoarse Voice?
Question: Hello,
Over the summer I had a couple of breathing attacks which felt like my vocal cords were going into spasm. This was whilst I was on holiday eating much richer and fattier food than usual and drinking alcohol which I don't normally do. I was also recovering from a rather traumatic incident at work and work had been very stressful for the last 3 years. Since these attacks I have had a very hoarse voice, often it cracks mid sentence and I can't complete what I am saying. I occasionally wake up a little breathless at night. I feel the need to clear my throat constantly and occasionally have a slight lump sensation at the back of my throat.
Can you help?
Over the summer I had a couple of breathing attacks which felt like my vocal cords were going into spasm. This was whilst I was on holiday eating much richer and fattier food than usual and drinking alcohol which I don't normally do. I was also recovering from a rather traumatic incident at work and work had been very stressful for the last 3 years. Since these attacks I have had a very hoarse voice, often it cracks mid sentence and I can't complete what I am saying. I occasionally wake up a little breathless at night. I feel the need to clear my throat constantly and occasionally have a slight lump sensation at the back of my throat.
Can you help?
Brief Answer:
Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
The symptoms described by you seem to be related to a condition called Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), secondary to the acid reflux from the stomach into the throat.
Many individuals who complain of the above problem would have never perceived the actual symptoms of acid reflux, such as, burning sensation in the chest, burping, etc. Silent reflux of acid can cause the above problems.
The sensation of breaking of voice and the feeling of lump in the throat is due to inflammation caused by the regurgitated acid into the throat.
Do not worry! It is a simple and common problem. My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water
2. Avoid stress/smoking/alcohol/coffee/fizzy drinks/ chilled food & beverages.
3. Try taking proton pump inhibitors such as Esomeprazole or Pantoperazole along with a prokinetics, you will definitely feel better.
Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
The symptoms described by you seem to be related to a condition called Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), secondary to the acid reflux from the stomach into the throat.
Many individuals who complain of the above problem would have never perceived the actual symptoms of acid reflux, such as, burning sensation in the chest, burping, etc. Silent reflux of acid can cause the above problems.
The sensation of breaking of voice and the feeling of lump in the throat is due to inflammation caused by the regurgitated acid into the throat.
Do not worry! It is a simple and common problem. My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water
2. Avoid stress/smoking/alcohol/coffee/fizzy drinks/ chilled food & beverages.
3. Try taking proton pump inhibitors such as Esomeprazole or Pantoperazole along with a prokinetics, you will definitely feel better.
Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2542 Questions
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