If you are a singer wondering if you might have a reflux problem, here are some symptoms: (See webpage at for more information.) What are the symptoms of Acid Reflux? Koufman and others believe that reflux can be an underlying factor in other voice problems like nodules and polyps. Jamie Koufman, a pioneer in the research of LPR, indicates that up to half of those who have LPR have no symptoms. Many people with GERD experience the sensation of heartburn, but those with LPR are less likely too. It is possible that you have LPR or GERD and you don’t know it.
#RELUX 2006 FULL#
When we sing we contract the stomach muscles, putting pressure on the LES, which is why singing on a full stomach is never a good idea. To avoid having to eat before a performance we often eat late at night, eat on the go, running from job to job or job to rehearsals. Why should singers care about Acid Reflux?Īs singers our lifestyles and singing habits can put us at particular risk for reflux problems.
Persistent reflux can be caused by a hiatal hernia, obesity, bad eating habits and certain behaviors such as bending over or lying down immediately after eating. It takes a larger number of episodes for the esophagus to be irritated (GERD). The tissue in the larynx is easily irritated meaning it only takes a few episodes of LPR for the voice to be affected. When the number of episodes escalates, problems arise. Our esophagi are built to withstand a certain number of reflux episodes every day. It is important to know that everyone experiences acid reflux. Both conditions are considered chronic and generally require long-term care even after symptoms have been brought under control. When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes, acid can flow into the esophagus (the persistent form of this is called GERD, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) or it can flow all the way up the esophagus and if the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is relaxed, acid can spill over in the larynx (this is called LPR, Laryngopharyngeal Reflux). What is acid reflux?Īt the top and bottom of the esophagus there are sphincter muscles that contract strongly to keep food and acid from traveling upward. There is also a possible link between reflux and esophageal cancer but no studies have been done yet to show whether cells in lesions in the esophagus caused by reflux actually turn into cancer. Some of the prevalence of the commercials is due to the drugs moving from prescription to over-the-counter, but acid reflux is a serious problem in our society and it can have serious vocal consequences for singers. Commercials for Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Zantac, Pepto-Bismal, Tums and Maalox are a regular feature on television as well. If you’ve been on the moon for the last year and missed Ashley Simpson’s debacle on Saturday Night Live when the drummer in her band turned on the wrong track then you don’t know that the need for the recorded track which doubled her voice, was attributed to her problems with acid reflux.
It is nearly impossible to watch an hour of television without seeing something to do with heartburn. Boston Singers' Resource News Bulletin, November 20, 2006
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