Impact on voice among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Abstract

GERD is a very common chronic condition affecting millions worldwide. One of the consequences of acid reflux is irritation of the larynx and vocal cords, which can severely diminish voice quality, bringing on such symptoms as hoarseness, throat clearing and voice fatigue. These voice related impairments can affect communication and daily function and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of GERD on voice in physical, functional, and emotional dimensions. The study was cross sectional, and was conducted at Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI) with 137 participants diagnosed with GERD. The Voice Handicap Index 10 (VHI 10) was used to collect data which was and analyzed descriptively and inferentially. The results showed that 48.2% of participants had normal voice conditions, 35.0% had mild voice problems, 13.9% had moderate voice problems and 2.9% had severe voice problems. Voice severity was associated with age (p<0.05), with older participants having more voice dysfunction. Dietary habits and GERD symptoms duration had no statistically significant relationship with voice problem severity. Of the three domains assessed, participants were most affected in the physical aspects of voice reporting frequent hoarseness, throat clearing, and vocal fatigue. The second most affected functional dimension was the ability to use one’s voice effectively in daily tasks, and the emotional dimension, with participants reporting feelings of frustration and self consciousness about their voice quality. The results of this study demonstrate that GERD has a multifactorial impact on voice quality and emphasize that early, adequate treatment of GERD may be coupled with voice therapy to optimize voice quality. Voice related symptoms of GERD cases require SLTs and other health care professionals to work together in order to enhance GERD patient's vocal health and all over well-being. Keywords: Impact, Voice, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)