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How GERD Affects Swallowing, Voice, and Communication — and How Speech Therapy Can Help

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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid or food flows back into the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. This backflow can cause symptoms such as:

  • Heartburn

  • Sour taste in the mouth

  • Chronic coughing or throat clearing

  • A feeling of something “stuck” in the throat (globus sensation)

Over time, these symptoms don’t just cause discomfort—they can interfere with eating, drinking, sleeping, and even communicating.


What Causes GERD?

GERD can be caused or worsened by a variety of factors, including:

  • Diet (especially spicy, acidic, or fatty foods)

  • Aging

  • Certain medications

  • Gastrointestinal or esophageal disorders


How GERD Affects Swallowing (Dysphagia)

When acid frequently backs up into the throat or esophagus, it irritates the tissue. This can make swallowing uncomfortable or painful. Some people experience:

  • Pain while swallowing

  • Food sticking in the throat

  • Decreased appetite or unintentional weight loss due to mealtime discomfort

These issues are especially concerning for people with existing swallowing or neurological conditions, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or age-related changes.


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How GERD Affects the Voice

If stomach acid reaches the vocal cords—a condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)—it can impact the voice. Common effects include:

  • Hoarseness or raspiness

  • Frequent coughing or throat clearing

  • Vocal fatigue

  • Loss of vocal strength or confidence in communication


How Speech Therapy Can Help

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play an important role in managing the effects of GERD on swallowing and voice.


Swallowing Therapy

  • Exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles and coordination

  • Compensatory strategies like posture changes or pacing techniques

  • Guidance on diet modifications to make meals safer and more comfortable


Voice Therapy

  • Education on vocal hygiene (hydration, limiting irritants, avoiding throat clearing)

  • Exercises to reduce strain and improve clarity

  • Strategies for safe, effective voice use


Reflux Precautions: What You Can Do at Home

We also educate our clients on reflux precautions, such as simple lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce GERD symptoms. These include:

  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals

  • Wait 2–3 hours after eating before lying down

  • Elevate the head of your bed by 6–8 inches or use a wedge pillow

  • Avoid eating late at night

  • Stay upright after meals


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Foods to Limit or Avoid

Some foods and drinks can trigger or worsen reflux symptoms. Try to avoid or limit the following:

  • Spicy foods

  • Fried or fatty foods

  • Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits)

  • Tomato-based products

  • Chocolate

  • Caffeine

  • Carbonated beverages

  • Alcohol

  • Peppermint


GERD is more than just heartburn—it can affect swallowing, voice, and overall quality of life. If reflux symptoms are interfering with your ability to eat, speak, or rest comfortably, speech therapy can help.



Reach out today to learn more or schedule an evaluation.


 
 
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