gerd & dysphonia

[jjunlazaro]

Hi, I have GERD and dysphonia. Are they related? Is my dysphonia the result of my GERD?

[Beachcombers]

Certain medications can increase the severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a chronic condition in which stomach acid flows back (refluxes) into your esophagus. This backwash of acid causes irritation and inflammation of the lining of your esophagus.
Normally, when you swallow, your lower esophageal sphincter — a circular band of muscle around the bottom part of your esophagus — relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach. Then it closes again. If you have GERD, this band of muscle doesn't work properly. Certain medications can further impair its function, including:

Anticholinergics such as oxybutynin (Ditropan), hyoscyamine (Levsinex) and certain antidepressants.
Sedatives or tranquilizers, including benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and temazepam (Restoril)
Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Uniphyl)
Calcium channel blockers and nitrates
Progesterone
Narcotics (opioids) such as codeine and hydrocodone
Also, some medications and dietary supplements — especially when used on a regular basis — can increase inflammation that GERD causes in the esophagus. These include:

Potassium supplements
Iron supplements
Vitamin C supplements
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others)
Antibiotics such as tetracycline
Bisphosphonates, such as alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva) and risedronate (Actonel)
Quinidine
If you have GERD, ask your doctor if medications you take may affect your symptoms. (info from the Mayo Clinic)

Personally, I'd like to kow why doctors are telling their patients the dangers of these drugs. People/victims should consider come together and suing the drug companies and doctors busy prushing these "medications".