Reflux Can Be a Serious Setback for Performers

More than half of performing artists with hoarseness and other voice problems suffer from reflux laryngitis, linked to a common digestive disorder and affecting more than 7 million Americans.

Though common, reflux is largely undiagnosed in these performers, keeping them from getting the help they need to quickly return to the stage, said Dr. C. Richard Stasney, director of The Methodist Hospital's Center for Performing Arts Medicine.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease is the backward flow of stomach acid into the throat, causing hoarseness, coughing and other disorders. LPRD is related to the more commonly known gastroesophageal reflux disease, but affects the throat more than the esophagus, which, Dr. Stasney said, can be devastating to vocalists.

Performers often don't think of a digestive disorder when dealing with their throat problems, Dr. Stasney said. If the problem is reflux, the symptoms can usually be successfully treated. He said a recent study showed 96 percent of the 233 patients studied with laryngitis symptoms responded to anti-reflux treatment. And, 85 percent of the 68 patients studied with symptoms of chronic laryngitis were cured with anti-reflux therapy. In the minority of cases, LPRD can be a serious problem, resulting in throat cancer.

Symptoms of LPRD include hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, chronic coughing, pain in throat, feeling of lump in throat, bitter taste in mouth (especially in the mornings), asthma exacerbations and postnasal drip.

In the event of these symptoms, Dr. Stasney said there are several diagnostic tools available to determine if LPRD exists. If LPRD does exist here are some ways to battle it:

• Avoid fatty foods
  
  
• Avoid eating close to bedtime
  
  
• Avoid alcohol
  
  
• Keep an ideal weight
  
  
• Avoid smoking
  
  
• Take over-the-counter antacids or prescription acid blockers, particularly proton pump inhibitors

The Methodist Hospital's Center for Performing Arts Medicine is a consortium of experts who provide medical care to meet the special needs of ballerinas, opera singers, dancers, actors and other performing artists. Local performing artists or artists who are on tour in Houston are provided immediate access to specialty and emergency services tailored for them.

To learn more about reflux laryngitis and other medical issues of interest to amateur and professional performing artists, attend the free Healthy Knowledge seminar on Oct. 22, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Museum of Health & Medical Science. Talk to medical experts about reflux, nutrition, sleep disorders and other topics. Call (713) 394-6088 for a reservation, or reserve a spot online at http://www.methodisthealth.com/arts.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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