When a person is suffering from acid reflux, the symptoms sometimes appears to be due to a cold or flu. People start coughing, they might have a sore throat and sometimes they can even lose their voice completely. If these things are due to a cold, the symptoms usually last for a few days and then disappear.

But if these symptoms persist, they may be a sign of acid reflux. Along with voice loss, a person may have stomach aches, headaches, and may feel a burning sensation whenever they eat foods that are high in acid, grease, and fat. Acid reflux disease may be to blame and can lead to other problems if left untreated.

Acid reflux can cause the throat to become very sore. This happens when stomach acid leaves the stomach and travels to the lungs and even to the esophagus. The acid can become mixed with saliva which can affect the throat. This will cause a person to lose their voice.

Another way acid reflux can cause a voice disorder is when the acid causes shortness of breath. This will limit the amount of air needed to speak. The vocal chords will be strained because of the extra work they have to do to when a person tries to speak. Over time, a persons vocal chords can become damaged and which will affect the voice. Their voice will either become thin and barely audible or it will become deeper.

Acid reflux can hurt not only a persons throat and vocal chords; it can also hurt a persons lungs and other organs including the heart. There are many ways to help a person who is suffering from acid reflux. A person will have to change their diet in order to stop the effects of acid reflux.

Avoiding acidic foods, such as certain fruits is a good step. It's also important to avoid alcohol as it leads to increased acid production.

If the vocal chords have been affected, they will need to be examined by a doctor. Surgery is sometimes even necessary because when the vocal chords are damaged, polyps can form that will affect the voice and can cause pain when speaking. A doctor will need to make this diagnosis. If your vocal chords are sore, especially if for more than a few days, it's important to consult your doctor to get their diagnosis.

Acid reflux is a common disorder that can be helped, though not cured. Medications and diet will make a difference. A persons voice may be affected so it is important to see a doctor before the symptoms get worse. Only a doctor will be able to determine if a person has acid reflux and only a doctor will be able to prescribe medication.