What Causes Reflux Of The Stomach Acid?

Posted on Wed, 6 May 2015

Question: I am having difficulty speaking sometime, hoarse. Do not smoke or drink, try to live a healthy lifestyle. Went to my primary care physician. He thinks it could be silent reflux and told me to take my antacid twice a day instead of once (Pepcid ac). Doing that now for about 9 days... No change so far. Should I have him refer me to an ENT or make appt. myself?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

The reflux of the stomach acid up into esophagus and larynx can cause inflammation of the vocal cords causing hoarseness.
So the aim of the treatment would consist in reducing the production of stomach acid .
Since the doctor has doubled the dose of the antiacid and you have been taken it for almost 10 days ,your symptoms should have improved by now.
In this situation there are 2 possible explanations :The cause of the hoarseness is not acid reflux or the antiacids that you are taking are not sufficient .
You may need to start a PPI drug like Omeprazole and if necessary an antiacid can be added or

You need to consult an ENT doctor,who will examine your throat and larynx.In the case of acid reflux ,the larynx and vocal cord can appear inflamed and swollen .In this case the doctor can prescribe you an PPI drugs and see if this will help.

Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubts to clarify.I would be happy to help.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar