My voice-box is swollen!!!

[baby_boy]

A few weeks ago I was diagnosed with LPR disease. My doctor told me that stomach acid has gotten on my voice-box and caused it swell. I'm the lead singer in my band and I was wondering if it is ok for me to sing with my voice-box this way or should I wait to sing again, if so how long should wait?

[baby_boy]

When this whole thing first started back in February, I had a lot of nasal drip but not so much anymore. My physician told me that It was probably my allergies but I kind of figured it wasn't so I went to see an ENT, and that's when he told me I had LPR disease. I have been taking the nexium and zantac for about two and half months now, it's a little better but not completely. Does the digestive enzymes really work better? If so, where can I get them from?

[donjoe341]

Changing your diet and taking digestive enzymes would be better than taking any PPIs for acid reflux. Taking these drugs can cause more problems in other areas. Digestive enzymes work naturally and won't cause any ill side effects. One thing I wanted to ask you, are you suffering from post nasal drip and thinking it is allergies. If you have post nasal drip or a lot of drainage from your sinuses, it can be caused by acid reflux as well. I had my gall bladder removed because it died and I had excessive acid reflux causing severe post nasal drip and problems with my voice box like you. The ant acid medications I took helped with the reflux in the short term but caused all kinds of other problems down the road. Like poor digestion (wasn't absorbing vitamins and nutrients properly) and stomach pain. I found that the small meals, diet change and enzymes really did the trick. Good Luck

[SassyLassie]

The advice of Landres is good, I would go by what she says. I would also definitely see a specialist if it does not improve.

[Londres70]

Can you wait until this problem is controlled before you start singing again?  I don't know if you do this professionally or for hobby.  

Secondly, I hope you don't smoke or drink.  If you do, STOP!  Avoid caffeine, foods high in acid, fats and spice, increase your water intake.  Do small meals throughout the day and stop eating 4 hours before bedtime.  Increase exercise.  

Thirdly, are you taking the medications as ordered?  Your physician may need to try another PPI.  

Lastly, if you have done all the above and still no improvement, I would recommend seeing a GI Specialist for possibly an upper endoscopy.  

[baby_boy]

I have had this problem for about 4 months now. My physician did prescribe me zantac and nexium.

[donjoe341]

Here is a web site for your condition, www.uthscsa.edu/oto/lpr.asp. I had this same problem for many years and fixed it by changing my diet. I eat a low glycemic high fiber diet, 5 small meals a day, low fat and good fat only, drink lots of water. I have little to no alcohol, spicy foods, greasy fatty foods, acidic foods and caffeine. Also you may want to take digestive enzymes with every meal. I found that this helps greatly.  I do not know if you should sing or not. I do know that your condition can effect your high vocal range. You will have to decide what is best for you.

[Londres70]

I would definitely wait.  How long have you had the problem already?  

Did the physician prescribe a PPI for the acid reflux, i.e. Zantac, Protonix, Prilosec?