Silent reflux has destroyed my voice and my voiceover career. This has been absolutely devastating. I know it isn't permanent, but it's been 2 years of trying everything under the sun and nothing has helped, so I am grateful for this video.
Try one of these natural remedies: apple cider vinegar, pumpkin seed, baking soda, probiotics. Zinc-carnosine, licorice root tea. Major tip is diet, try an alkaline diet and figure out your food triggers. Drink pH water.
I was training with vocal scales and noticed an issue on my full voice to falsetto transition. I had my throat scoped and discovered my vocal chords were irritated by acid reflux and post nasal drip. I am on protonix in the morning and zantac at night; along with a nasal spray for the post nasal drip. I have started getting better as my vocal scales have transitioned into almost normal after only a week. Should be fine after a few more weeks. Wish O could add a photo of my chords, it was quite telling. Half my chords were red and the other half white. Should all be white.
When my doctor told me I was having mild silent reflux symptoms, I went into full panic mode. I got my throat, vocal cords and esophagus checked three times now and there was no sign of damage or anything. A voice specialist did diagnose me with mild muscle tension dysphonia and irregular breathing. I'm relieved that I don't have any damage, but I still have a ways to go if so want to be a singer.
I've been always told that I use too much air while singing. I have issues with vocal stamina, reduced vocal range, and frequent sore throats. Now I know what's the problem. First I thought that my vocal technique was wrong, but it didn't work. Then I just thought I don't have a natural ability to sing. Then I thought it's because I get colds too often. Now I understand what's going on.
Thanks so much for this video, it has helped me enormously. I've been a pro actress, singer, teacher and VO my whole life and have recently discovered these exact issues. I resonate completely with your story, especially how it can be fine for a few days and then disappear for no apparent reason, I know as soon as I wake up when I test my lower voice and it's just muffled and unobtainable. I've started addressing this and I think it will be a long journey but reading everyone's comments here has made me feel I'm not alone. Thanks again :)
I once had a voice of an angel, I used to sing effortlessly, powerfully and precise, and my range was unworldly! Now it’s rare when my voice holds up while singing a song, it gets hoarse real quick and I’m in my mid 20’s. I’m pretty sure it’s silent reflux, I love caffeine, I love beer, and I tend to eat big portions right before bed, because of my work schedule lol, I’m doing all the wrong things, I hope my lifestyle changes give me my voice back.
No use hoping your life style changes, if your voice matters them make changes, No coffee , no Alcohol no chocolate, a good diet and no over eating. Its up to you!
Hey Sarah. I wish I'd known your channel or ideas about 2 year ago when my singing voice just started hitting walls. I'd have good gigs and one's that i literally pushed through and got extra singers in to help. I always had this big strong voice that could sing nights on end. I got to a vocal coach and she got me onto reflux tablets straight away cause she could see the inflammation from the ent specialist video down my throught, she could hear the roughness and like a coating on my vocal chords. So thanks to all you people, i eat chocolate and cheese and all the stuff i shouldn't on my 2 days off a week from singing, the rest of the week i try not to eat anything agitating before i need to sing, cut back on caffeine which i had a lot of just at gigs mostly, which i now know was actually drying me out at those gigs. I drink loads more water than i used to anyhow. Anyhow, its more settled, if i can lose some weight I'm sure it'll help even more. In progress. Just wanted to say thanks, I've learned and passed on a lot from you already. Best wishes. I love my singing, always have, nothing worse than it being effected in my life.
i had some wine today, now it burns in my throat.. doctor told me not to eat for 2 hours before sleeping, not to lay down after eating for an hour at least. less fried meals and heavy ones.less tomatoes, soar things. don't eat too much at once. try to eat more often and with less food volume. etc. also i should take some meds. one more sign of reflux that you often have to cough or clear your throat without any reason (not ill). like it itches inside.
That's right. Hope you are managing your symptoms ok. If you'd like more advice please subscribe to the Singers Advice website. I can send you some exclusive video's including lesson guides and audio downloads to practise to. I am also going to be answering 'Singers Advice' audience members questions personally once a month with a video tailored to your vocal needs/struggles. So make sure you sign up so you can have a chance to get your question answered! There's also a free course you can take on 'releasing vocal tension' All you need to do is go to my site to sign up - www.singersadvice.com Take care Sarah
This is really great to watch. I have a 4cm sliding Hiatus Hernia. I’m on medications but it feels like a mask for a forever ugly problem. I’m pushing for an operation because the phlegm build up is silly!
Each time I go to record my songs I lose my voice after several takes. This has been very frustrating so now I am going to make the lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol and spicy foods, that I was hesitant to before.
Thank you for this. Been dealing with vocal problems since 2013. Vocal fatigue, speaking voice was bad, felt like there was lump in my throat. Had the scope and was told there wasn’t a lump but there was some inflammation maybe due to reflux. So your video was reassuring it can get better. Hard to do music with a bad voice lol.
Thank you for this video Sarah, it's very helpful. I was recently diagnosed with LPR after 5 months of not being able to breathe through my nose. I dislike nasal voices, and it appeared to get worse every time I sang, so I was beginning to hate my own voice. For a year previous I had had little 'strangles' while singing which meant I couldn't hold longer notes. I've been told to rinse my nose out with a neti pot once a week. I am on PPIs, and am trying to stick to the diet, but find it incredibly difficult to give up chocolate and coffee. I've made curry all my life and that's now off the menu. It puts you off eating at all, but it isn't advisable to skip meals as that can cause a build up of acid too. I am very aware of the acidity in my throat now. Doubly devastated as I'm a multi - instrumentalist and was diagnosed with a fluctuating neurological disease which affects my hands a few years ago, which makes my playing unreliable. Friends told me to concentrate on my voice, and now I feel that's in jeopardy too. Big sucky bummer!
I've had the same problem. It's nice to hear others have suffered in the same way. I also have the medication, but have only been taking it now and then. I will take it regularly from now on as I was genuinely thinking my gigging career was coming to an end because of it...........Thanks for a great video
I have gerd and I was always kinda mad since I already have a lung problem which made me sound even more terrible, and I had some okay times while singing but I think I could of sounded a lot better if I didn’t have these problems 😭
Hi! I’m christian, from the Philippines 😊🎙 May I know if you were still able to get back to your previous “normal” singing vocal technique and pitch. Been suffering with reflux too. I guess not so severe yet. But it really affected the way I sing especially sustaining my voice and hitting higher notes :(
Sarah there is a non invasive procedure called stretta procedure for acid reflux it’s done under an hour which is a much better way to resolve this three nhs hospitals up north are offering this treatment Not available in south east yet
Can i ask which vocal steamer you used? Also do you have any advice for dealing with loneliness/isolation during vocal rest. Been put on vocal rest for two weeks from the doctor and have had to cancel all social plans including being silent in team meetings at work. I hate it so much but i love singing :(
Hi, I hope you are ok. I use a Dr Nelsons inhaler. It can be hard on vocal rest as it feels very strange not being able to communicate. But remember that the outcome is a rested healthier voice! Can I ask why you are on voice rest for 2 weeks?
@SarahBrickelSingersAdvice I have very bad GERD and am on PPI's and have been put on a stronger inhaler for my asthma. I did two weeks of not talking and then my vocal rest has ended but I'm still losing my voice in work meetings and sound very gravelly. Do you think I should go on vocal rest for longer, it makes me feel very isolated though. I think seeing a specialist would be better but I can't afford private and the waiting times are long. What is the risk of me carrying on talking with it?
Thanks Kewal, I wasn't actually advised to do anything different as the speech and language therapist I saw signed me off after our first session. She said my technique was fine. During the session she got me to do some sirens and I sang a song so she could see if there was anything not quite right. We looked at lifestyle and what might have changed in my life to cause the problems to start. I suppose it totally depends on how it is affecting you in terms of the programme they may put you on. The thing with reflux is that it causes swelling and inflammation to the vocal folds. Dealing with that is the first step. If you over use your voice while your vocal folds are swollen you can go on to cause more damage including the development of vocal nodules. However, I do know that speech and language therapists often use techniques like vocal qualities to take pressure away from the vocal folds and finding more resonance. Like using twang for example. I will look into this more for you. Thanks for watching my video's and please subscribe if you haven't already to the singers advice website. I can send you some exclusive video's including lesson guides and audio downloads to practise to. I am also going to be answering 'Singers Advice' audience members questions personally once a month with a video tailored to your vocal needs/struggles. So make sure you sign up so you can have a chance to get your question answered! There's also a free course you can take on 'releasing vocal tension' All you need to do is go to my site to sign up - www.singersadvice.com Take care Sarah
Very nice video! You have a talent for explaining things! So useful and honest! :) And you are actually spot on with this advice! We also need to drink apple cider and eat fruits and veggies! Sometimes hcl or pepsin ensymes, but that's really the last stand against acid reflux. :)
Thank Aaron for your lovely comments. I really appreciate that. Please subscribe if you haven't already to the singers advice website. I can send you some exclusive video's including lesson guides and audio downloads to practise to. I am also going to be answering 'Singers Advice' audience members questions personally once a month with a video tailored to your vocal needs/struggles. So make sure you sign up so you can have a chance to get your question answered! There's also a free course you can take on 'releasing vocal tension' All you need to do is go to my site to sign up - www.singersadvice.com Take care Sarah
I’ve had lpr since last november and have been treating it since january. I’m contiously been doing everything thats been recommended: no coffee, no alcohol, three months of ppis, no carbonated beverages, vocal rest, less dairy, no tomatos, chocolate, spicy food, sour foods, red foods (personal trigger), sleeping with multiple pillows, voice therapy etc. It’s better but it’s still here and I can’t speak for more than five minutes at a time. I just want to be able to sing again :((
Another thing that helps keep mine at bay is making sure I try to keep my stress levels down! Not always easy but if I'm stressed I definitely get reflux. Everything is connected. Give some relaxation techniques a try. You might be surprised how much of a difference it makes. Keep us updated 👍
@@SarahBrickel thankfully im doing much better now, although my voice still isn't the same as before. I finally got a competent doctor who perscribed me gaviscon which has really helped a whole lot. And if it doesn't go away completely, there's a plan on what to do next. My diet is less restrictive which helps with stress a lot.
this gives me answers but also breaks me heart. it’s been about 5-6 months and my voice has really changed and it’s been hurting, totally fine sometimes, and going away regularly. i finally booked an appointment the other day to see an ENT and to get some more answers as to what’s going on, but i’m certain it’s an acid reflux issue. i’m not sure what’s going to happen from here on out but i’ll keep this video in mind. i love that you explained how devastating it is to hear your voice is damaged. i’ve been struggling with how to receive this news for the past couple of months.
Singers Advice good news!! came back from the ENT and my vocal chords are in perfect healthy shape :) i have a deviated septum which is causing a lot of my issues!! nasal drainage is making my throat swell and it’s perfectly fixable!
You can do some gentle vocal exercises. Sirens and humming exercises until you feel like your voice can take a bit more and gradually add to it. Nothing too excessive to start with. 😀
Hi, I have been taking Gaviscon Advanced for month recommended by Voice Therapist , but hopelessly I am only getting worse, in the past I only had problem while singing, but now even talking can be problem too
Oh dear! Unfortunately some things don't work for everyone. Have you had any more advice since. Have you started keeping a food/lifestyle diary to find your triggers? If you'd like more advice please subscribe to the Singers Advice website. I can send you some exclusive video's including lesson guides and audio downloads to practise to. I am also going to be answering 'Singers Advice' audience members questions personally once a month with a video tailored to your vocal needs/struggles. So make sure you sign up so you can have a chance to get your question answered! There's also a free course you can take on 'releasing vocal tension' All you need to do is go to my site to sign up - www.singersadvice.com Take care Sarah
Hi, great wideo. I think I got reflux problem. Ia the begining I thought it's a problem with my nose and with sinuses but I had RTG and it is not a problem. Can I ask is there a video from that period you got this reflux problem? when you use your voice? Or that video you mentione on this film? (I mean video with your vocal chords - inside).
Hi Sarah....I am Alka Mandakini from Mumbai India I am also a professional vocalist....after listening your story I feel like it's my story. Actually due to acidity my voice is 70 % damaged. Everyday I feel indigestion, bloting, short breath & due to gas I feel pain in borns too. I am not able to speak even. While talking my voice suddenly goes away. Due to acid reflux my lungs are also affected that my breathing is shorten. Due to lock down no one is attending in hospital. I feel I have huge GERD issue so went to gastrologist & he prescribed me Rabonik 20, gastractiv & trymptomer 10mg for 22 days. I have started a complete balanced life style. Still things are not in control....each day is frustrating, strssfull that I am not able to sing speak. If you can suggest me that can help me getting out of this completely.
You can get vocal steamers to help lubricate and reduce inflammation on your vocal folds. You could also just use the hot water in a bowl with a towel over you head method too. So basically it's steam from hot water that you breath in. It's the only way to directly hydrate your vocal folds. 👍
Mam i think i had an acid reflux because there are days when i sing that im good and there are days that i fell my throat are tight and i fell dry mam,,,what should i do mam pls help me?
I can't even talk over moderate noise, I lose my voice multiple times a day and when it's there, it's extremely weak, inconsistent, hoarse and temperamental. I have acid reflux disease and they can't cure it yet :(
have this problem silent reflux I did a juice fast 16 days, helped a lot but really change in lifestyle isn't enough this issue is caused by lack of acid so increasing acid in stomach will help greatly as low acid production caused sibo in the gut which inturn causes gases to open up les valve which causes reflux in most cases going to naturopathic doctor, to get various tests acid reducing medications can cause dementia and many other illnesses in the long run they are bad news i wanted to sing and do voice acting and impressions but gonna have to wait till I fully recover
I've lost everything but my chest voice due to acid reflux. I even worried i also had something else now but i still suspect it to be only reflux cause even when i am not talking for a whole day and stay hydriated my throath still hurts and i feel phlegm in my throath, them when i speak i still sound very raspy and i speak and sing in a lower pitch than i used to. I had my vocal cords checked out a year ago (been having issues for 2 years now) and they looked normal, but everything around them was unnaturally red. I can't sing anything higher than a4 in disconnected head voice (it is mostly just air, everything other than chest voice is airy and my chest voice is raspy), before i could sing a whole octave higher in a normal head voice.
You're very welcome. If you'd like more advice please subscribe to the Singers Advice website. I can send you some exclusive video's including lesson guides and audio downloads to practise to. I am also going to be answering 'Singers Advice' audience members questions personally once a month with a video tailored to your vocal needs/struggles. So make sure you sign up so you can have a chance to get your question answered! There's also a free course you can take on 'releasing vocal tension' All you need to do is go to my site to sign up - www.singersadvice.com Take care Sarah
I'm forever clearing my throat I go to a gig and I'll lose the mid to high register in my voice, all the doctor does is give me proton pump inhibitors , I've started eating less drinking more water Instead of tea , I need to give up alcohol, too all these things do help but it's hard to keep up, I got promised by my doctor to have it looked but had to move out of the area, went to my new doctor more pills, the whole thing is a night mare point less getting to see a doctor now with all this Corona, writing this with a burning painful throat, this year has been my worst for hay fever too.
Yes that sounds awful. I am not a doctor, but the best thing that worked for me was Gaviscon Advanced! Especially before going to bed as that's when the reflux can cause the most damage as you are lying down. Obviously get some advice from a doctor/pharmacist but this really keeps mine under control. Other drugs just made it worse in the long run. 😀
I’ve had phlegm in my throat for 2 years . Constantly . Never knew what it was . The doctor thought it was asthma but I’ve come to a conclusion it’s lpr . I don’t know if it’s too late . I’ve lost pitch with my chest voice ... 😕
Singers Advice not really , it’s difficult . But I don’t drink as much caffeine as I used to . I used to drink a lottttt . And I try and drink more water . 😬
(heres my email in case you don't see it) Greetings Sara! Much like your silent reflux mine came out of nowhere! No changes in my life. Just suddenly BAM. I thought I had strep throat or mono. I was like "how do I have mono? I don't even kiss anyone or share drinks!" Luckily for me I immediately stopped singing and working. Easy to do when you're a professional loser. Thank you so much for posting that video. I'm only about 6 days into my extended release proton pump inhibitor. I'm getting slight improvement everyday. I'm terrified I'm going to lose my voice. I've adjusted my diet accordingly. I only eat baked chicken breast, pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, and spinach. I'm having a lot of trouble getting doctors appointments because US health is totally in slow motion. The people working (bless their souls) are stuck dealing with mass volume. It also doesn't help that LPR is very rare and their isn't as much research on it. I did a lot of research myself and most people say the same things as you. They agree the medicine isn't good to use over long periods of time. I also read something really cool about alkaline water. It's water with baking soda but reduced sodium. Expensive as hell but it reduces pepsin in your throat. I just have some questions for you 1. Should I stop talking completely? Luckily I have the luxury 2. How long should I wait after the symptoms clear to sing? 3. Any advice on proteins? I get really hungry and beans don't go through your intestines as well as other foods which can back up your system. 4. Do you think I'm relatively safe since I haven't been singing or talking much? 5. I found that nicotine is really really bad because it relaxes the muscle that holds down the stomach acid. What are you thoughts about cannabis? It seems mixed online. I'm nearly done quitting anyway and I was a heavy stoner. I have these moments where I feel clear. I can sing a line or two but if I go low (velvety bassy low) my voice tights up a little. I'm really worried and could use your council. I'm poor as hell. I'm gonna see doctors as fast as I can but it may not be for A LONG TIME just like what happened to you. I have my first appointment with a EMT doctor coming up in week or so after waiting over a month...*cries* Please give my music a listen at echozeta.bandcamp.com/album/the-anomaly-spectrum I was once a guitar player and singer but I fell off a 15 ft ladder 6 years ago. I have a permanant partial disability and a syrinx in my spine. I was diagnosed with chronic fibromyalgia at 23 and I'm 30 now. I just gave up guitar (cause it was destroying my back and mental health) then this happened. Everything is riding on my voice. I can play piano and stuff but it's pretty painful. Singing is the ticket to saving my back and mental health. God bless you for your information and May the force be with you!
Hi Thomas, I can't find your email so if you want to drop me an email again it's sarah@singersadvice.com I can answer in a bit more detail and you can keep in touch with how you are getting on with the reflux. How are thing going? Yes it's a total nightmare. I also read about the alkaline water. I haven't tried it but apparently it can work. It seemed a little extreme but if any one has tried it let us know if it's worked for you. Definitely keeping a food diary of what triggers you off is a good idea. I bought a book about the foods and the acidity levels. Some were quite surprising. There's also some good recipes in there so that you don't feel like you are eating the same thing all the time and have a varied diet. I will put a link to it on here. Smoking of whatever kind I would say is a no no! But again you have to see what affects you as an individual. Also look at your stress levels. I find my reflux gets worse when I am stressed or anxious about something. It's good to take time to relax and work through anything that might be causing the stress. Sorry to hear about your fall. That is awful. It is hard when you have to give up things you love to do. I'm sure thins wont be the case with the reflux. There's a good 'Gerd' facebook group that might be helpful to follow as well as lots of people are sharing their struggles and sucesses with it. I will post the link for this if I can as well. Take care and I hope things start to get a bit easier for you. Sarah
I’m constantly needing to clear my throat all the time. I can still hit high notes perfectly fine but it feels a lot more of an effort than it did before and the constant phlegm is causing my voice to sound raspy when I get to my higher range. Also I’ve noticed my stamina has reduced a lot also. Does this sound like an Acid reflux problem? Thanks
I have acid reflux and i think it’s actually damaged my vocal chords. But i’m still kinda young and they need to fully develop, but it’s extremely painful to sing or talk in general :(
No it's not a normal puberty thing. I'm 16 male and I have been suffering since the last 12-16 months. I have been taking PPI drugs and it had gotten worse. I'm taking like in the morning and at night. I think as soon as I can prepare the cash I'll go for surgery. I suggest you ask your doctors to consider it too. It could heal for you but it might also become as if you have to take medications your whole life. Just google acid reflux surgeries. They have great success rates. Hope you recover. It sucks to not be able to sing. I miss singing so much. :(
both of you guys, don't try to diagnose, go see a doctor and leave it to them. They will be able to diagnose and treat the problem in the best way possible
im currently in the same boat, I can't even talk right now, my doctor said I should make a full recovery though. Singing is also my passion and career plan
Silent reflux has destroyed my voice and my voiceover career. This has been absolutely devastating. I know it isn't permanent, but it's been 2 years of trying everything under the sun and nothing has helped, so I am grateful for this video.
How are you doing Shannon. Have you had any improvements?
how are you doing now?
@@ukuleleangela6153 she is probably still suffering. I loved singing and since 1.5 years my throat has been always thrashed by acid regularly :(
Try one of these natural remedies: apple cider vinegar, pumpkin seed, baking soda, probiotics. Zinc-carnosine, licorice root tea. Major tip is diet, try an alkaline diet and figure out your food triggers. Drink pH water.
@@nimratak.bhullar3250 o
I was training with vocal scales and noticed an issue on my full voice to falsetto transition. I had my throat scoped and discovered my vocal chords were irritated by acid reflux and post nasal drip. I am on protonix in the morning and zantac at night; along with a nasal spray for the post nasal drip. I have started getting better as my vocal scales have transitioned into almost normal after only a week. Should be fine after a few more weeks. Wish O could add a photo of my chords, it was quite telling. Half my chords were red and the other half white. Should all be white.
When my doctor told me I was having mild silent reflux symptoms, I went into full panic mode. I got my throat, vocal cords and esophagus checked three times now and there was no sign of damage or anything. A voice specialist did diagnose me with mild muscle tension dysphonia and irregular breathing. I'm relieved that I don't have any damage, but I still have a ways to go if so want to be a singer.
I'm so happy that you got the results that you need to keep your voice intact. God bless you for sharing this information with us
You are so welcome. 🤗
I've been always told that I use too much air while singing. I have issues with vocal stamina, reduced vocal range, and frequent sore throats. Now I know what's the problem. First I thought that my vocal technique was wrong, but it didn't work. Then I just thought I don't have a natural ability to sing. Then I thought it's because I get colds too often. Now I understand what's going on.
Thanks so much for this video, it has helped me enormously. I've been a pro actress, singer, teacher and VO my whole life and have recently discovered these exact issues. I resonate completely with your story, especially how it can be fine for a few days and then disappear for no apparent reason, I know as soon as I wake up when I test my lower voice and it's just muffled and unobtainable. I've started addressing this and I think it will be a long journey but reading everyone's comments here has made me feel I'm not alone. Thanks again :)
I once had a voice of an angel, I used to sing effortlessly, powerfully and precise, and my range was unworldly! Now it’s rare when my voice holds up while singing a song, it gets hoarse real quick and I’m in my mid 20’s. I’m pretty sure it’s silent reflux, I love caffeine, I love beer, and I tend to eat big portions right before bed, because of my work schedule lol, I’m doing all the wrong things, I hope my lifestyle changes give me my voice back.
Let me know how you get on. 👍
No use hoping your life style changes, if your voice matters them make changes, No coffee , no Alcohol no chocolate, a good diet and no over eating. Its up to you!
How’s it going? Any improvement?
Hey Sarah. I wish I'd known your channel or ideas about 2 year ago when my singing voice just started hitting walls. I'd have good gigs and one's that i literally pushed through and got extra singers in to help. I always had this big strong voice that could sing nights on end. I got to a vocal coach and she got me onto reflux tablets straight away cause she could see the inflammation from the ent specialist video down my throught, she could hear the roughness and like a coating on my vocal chords. So thanks to all you people, i eat chocolate and cheese and all the stuff i shouldn't on my 2 days off a week from singing, the rest of the week i try not to eat anything agitating before i need to sing, cut back on caffeine which i had a lot of just at gigs mostly, which i now know was actually drying me out at those gigs. I drink loads more water than i used to anyhow. Anyhow, its more settled, if i can lose some weight I'm sure it'll help even more. In progress. Just wanted to say thanks, I've learned and passed on a lot from you already. Best wishes. I love my singing, always have, nothing worse than it being effected in my life.
i had some wine today, now it burns in my throat..
doctor told me not to eat for 2 hours before sleeping, not to lay down after eating for an hour at least. less fried meals and heavy ones.less tomatoes, soar things. don't eat too much at once. try to eat more often and with less food volume. etc.
also i should take some meds.
one more sign of reflux that you often have to cough or clear your throat without any reason (not ill). like it itches inside.
That's right. Hope you are managing your symptoms ok.
If you'd like more advice please subscribe to the Singers Advice website. I can send you some exclusive video's including lesson guides and audio downloads to practise to. I am also going to be answering 'Singers Advice' audience members questions personally once a month with a video tailored to your vocal needs/struggles. So make sure you sign up so you can have a chance to get your question answered! There's also a free course you can take on 'releasing vocal tension' All you need to do is go to my site to sign up - www.singersadvice.com
Take care
Sarah
twistingstrings I have the same issue I drank today now my throat is buring when I swallow smh
This is really great to watch. I have a 4cm sliding Hiatus Hernia. I’m on medications but it feels like a mask for a forever ugly problem. I’m pushing for an operation because the phlegm build up is silly!
Each time I go to record my songs I lose my voice after several takes. This has been very frustrating so now I am going to make the lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol and spicy foods, that I was hesitant to before.
Has this helped?
Singers Advice mine too this diet helped me alot Thank you 🙏🏽
Saw 2 ENT pill pushers. They were pathetic. Low acid diet for 5 months and I'm still clearing my throat, sore throat, coughing.
Thank you for this. Been dealing with vocal problems since 2013. Vocal fatigue, speaking voice was bad, felt like there was lump in my throat. Had the scope and was told there wasn’t a lump but there was some inflammation maybe due to reflux. So your video was reassuring it can get better. Hard to do music with a bad voice lol.
Yes, you can definitely get this under control. Keep at it and let me know how you get on 👍
Thank you for this video Sarah, it's very helpful. I was recently diagnosed with LPR after 5 months of not being able to breathe through my nose. I dislike nasal voices, and it appeared to get worse every time I sang, so I was beginning to hate my own voice. For a year previous I had had little 'strangles' while singing which meant I couldn't hold longer notes. I've been told to rinse my nose out with a neti pot once a week. I am on PPIs, and am trying to stick to the diet, but find it incredibly difficult to give up chocolate and coffee. I've made curry all my life and that's now off the menu. It puts you off eating at all, but it isn't advisable to skip meals as that can cause a build up of acid too. I am very aware of the acidity in my throat now. Doubly devastated as I'm a multi - instrumentalist and was diagnosed with a fluctuating neurological disease which affects my hands a few years ago, which makes my playing unreliable. Friends told me to concentrate on my voice, and now I feel that's in jeopardy too. Big sucky bummer!
It sounds quite tough. Have you noticed any changes since you have changed your diet? 😀
I've had the same problem. It's nice to hear others have suffered in the same way. I also have the medication, but have only been taking it now and then. I will take it regularly from now on as I was genuinely thinking my gigging career was coming to an end because of it...........Thanks for a great video
I have gerd and I was always kinda mad since I already have a lung problem which made me sound even more terrible, and I had some okay times while singing but I think I could of sounded a lot better if I didn’t have these problems 😭
Hi! I’m christian, from the Philippines 😊🎙 May I know if you were still able to get back to your previous “normal” singing vocal technique and pitch. Been suffering with reflux too. I guess not so severe yet. But it really affected the way I sing especially sustaining my voice and hitting higher notes :(
Ichan Tibayan me too But im focusing to diet It feels great now by the way im one of the contestant in tawag ng tanghalan haha 🤫🤗
Sarah there is a non invasive procedure called stretta procedure for acid reflux it’s done under an hour which is a much better way to resolve this three nhs hospitals up north are offering this treatment
Not available in south east yet
Can i ask which vocal steamer you used? Also do you have any advice for dealing with loneliness/isolation during vocal rest. Been put on vocal rest for two weeks from the doctor and have had to cancel all social plans including being silent in team meetings at work. I hate it so much but i love singing :(
Hi, I hope you are ok. I use a Dr Nelsons inhaler. It can be hard on vocal rest as it feels very strange not being able to communicate. But remember that the outcome is a rested healthier voice! Can I ask why you are on voice rest for 2 weeks?
@SarahBrickelSingersAdvice I have very bad GERD and am on PPI's and have been put on a stronger inhaler for my asthma. I did two weeks of not talking and then my vocal rest has ended but I'm still losing my voice in work meetings and sound very gravelly. Do you think I should go on vocal rest for longer, it makes me feel very isolated though. I think seeing a specialist would be better but I can't afford private and the waiting times are long. What is the risk of me carrying on talking with it?
Wonderfull Explanation.
Can you please also explain what kind of vocal exercises were advised to you when you suffered from acid reflux.
Thanks Kewal,
I wasn't actually advised to do anything different as the speech and language therapist I saw signed me off after our first session. She said my technique was fine. During the session she got me to do some sirens and I sang a song so she could see if there was anything not quite right. We looked at lifestyle and what might have changed in my life to cause the problems to start.
I suppose it totally depends on how it is affecting you in terms of the programme they may put you on. The thing with reflux is that it causes swelling and inflammation to the vocal folds. Dealing with that is the first step. If you over use your voice while your vocal folds are swollen you can go on to cause more damage including the development of vocal nodules. However, I do know that speech and language therapists often use techniques like vocal qualities to take pressure away from the vocal folds and finding more resonance. Like using twang for example.
I will look into this more for you.
Thanks for watching my video's and please subscribe if you haven't already to the singers advice website. I can send you some exclusive video's including lesson guides and audio downloads to practise to. I am also going to be answering 'Singers Advice' audience members questions personally once a month with a video tailored to your vocal needs/struggles. So make sure you sign up so you can have a chance to get your question answered! There's also a free course you can take on 'releasing vocal tension' All you need to do is go to my site to sign up - www.singersadvice.com
Take care
Sarah
Very nice video! You have a talent for explaining things! So useful and honest! :) And you are actually spot on with this advice! We also need to drink apple cider and eat fruits and veggies! Sometimes hcl or pepsin ensymes, but that's really the last stand against acid reflux. :)
Thank Aaron for your lovely comments. I really appreciate that. Please subscribe if you haven't already to the singers advice website. I can send you some exclusive video's including lesson guides and audio downloads to practise to. I am also going to be answering 'Singers Advice' audience members questions personally once a month with a video tailored to your vocal needs/struggles. So make sure you sign up so you can have a chance to get your question answered! There's also a free course you can take on 'releasing vocal tension' All you need to do is go to my site to sign up - www.singersadvice.com
Take care
Sarah
I’ve had lpr since last november and have been treating it since january. I’m contiously been doing everything thats been recommended: no coffee, no alcohol, three months of ppis, no carbonated beverages, vocal rest, less dairy, no tomatos, chocolate, spicy food, sour foods, red foods (personal trigger), sleeping with multiple pillows, voice therapy etc. It’s better but it’s still here and I can’t speak for more than five minutes at a time. I just want to be able to sing again :((
Another thing that helps keep mine at bay is making sure I try to keep my stress levels down! Not always easy but if I'm stressed I definitely get reflux. Everything is connected. Give some relaxation techniques a try. You might be surprised how much of a difference it makes. Keep us updated 👍
@@SarahBrickel thankfully im doing much better now, although my voice still isn't the same as before. I finally got a competent doctor who perscribed me gaviscon which has really helped a whole lot. And if it doesn't go away completely, there's a plan on what to do next. My diet is less restrictive which helps with stress a lot.
OMG, I love British accent ❤ 😍
It's been more than 3.5 years that I have been facing these issues
How r u feeling now. Plz help IAM also suffering.
this gives me answers but also breaks me heart. it’s been about 5-6 months and my voice has really changed and it’s been hurting, totally fine sometimes, and going away regularly. i finally booked an appointment the other day to see an ENT and to get some more answers as to what’s going on, but i’m certain it’s an acid reflux issue. i’m not sure what’s going to happen from here on out but i’ll keep this video in mind. i love that you explained how devastating it is to hear your voice is damaged. i’ve been struggling with how to receive this news for the past couple of months.
Try not to worry. I'm sure you will get the answers and there are definitely ways to recover and deal with acid reflux! Let me know how you get on. 😀
Singers Advice good news!! came back from the ENT and my vocal chords are in perfect healthy shape :) i have a deviated septum which is causing a lot of my issues!! nasal drainage is making my throat swell and it’s perfectly fixable!
Thanks for this! Should I still sing while healing? Or just stop completely until I’m better? Thanks
You can do some gentle vocal exercises. Sirens and humming exercises until you feel like your voice can take a bit more and gradually add to it. Nothing too excessive to start with. 😀
@@SarahBrickel Thank you so much!
Hi, I have been taking Gaviscon Advanced for month recommended by Voice Therapist , but hopelessly I am only getting worse, in the past I only had problem while singing, but now even talking can be problem too
Oh dear! Unfortunately some things don't work for everyone. Have you had any more advice since. Have you started keeping a food/lifestyle diary to find your triggers?
If you'd like more advice please subscribe to the Singers Advice website. I can send you some exclusive video's including lesson guides and audio downloads to practise to. I am also going to be answering 'Singers Advice' audience members questions personally once a month with a video tailored to your vocal needs/struggles. So make sure you sign up so you can have a chance to get your question answered! There's also a free course you can take on 'releasing vocal tension' All you need to do is go to my site to sign up - www.singersadvice.com
Take care
Sarah
Hi, great wideo. I think I got reflux problem. Ia the begining I thought it's a problem with my nose and with sinuses but I had RTG and it is not a problem. Can I ask is there a video from that period you got this reflux problem? when you use your voice? Or that video you mentione on this film? (I mean video with your vocal chords - inside).
I have this actually its hard! my gosh specially when I sing high song. Im prone with this because of Hiatal Hernia
Thank you, so much, Sarah!
Your welcome Rick 😀
I have been diagnosed with LPR and this was the worse news I could have ever got.
Hi Sarah....I am Alka Mandakini from Mumbai India I am also a professional vocalist....after listening your story I feel like it's my story. Actually due to acidity my voice is 70 % damaged. Everyday I feel indigestion, bloting, short breath & due to gas I feel pain in borns too. I am not able to speak even. While talking my voice suddenly goes away. Due to acid reflux my lungs are also affected that my breathing is shorten. Due to lock down no one is attending in hospital. I feel I have huge GERD issue so went to gastrologist & he prescribed me Rabonik 20, gastractiv & trymptomer 10mg for 22 days. I have started a complete balanced life style. Still things are not in control....each day is frustrating, strssfull that I am not able to sing speak. If you can suggest me that can help me getting out of this completely.
Hey I'm also from india i think I too have lpr.have you tried low acid diet.
Hi Alka I'm also having this issue from last 2 yrs I have gerd actually and tried every possible thing to cure it but failed everytime
@@luvkushdedha466 how r u now
What did you eat? Most of the dishes from my culture have tomato and onion as a base.
What do you mean by steaming
You can get vocal steamers to help lubricate and reduce inflammation on your vocal folds. You could also just use the hot water in a bowl with a towel over you head method too. So basically it's steam from hot water that you breath in. It's the only way to directly hydrate your vocal folds. 👍
Mam i think i had an acid reflux because there are days when i sing that im good and there are days that i fell my throat are tight and i fell dry mam,,,what should i do mam pls help me?
I can't even talk over moderate noise, I lose my voice multiple times a day and when it's there, it's extremely weak, inconsistent, hoarse and temperamental. I have acid reflux disease and they can't cure it yet :(
Same :( I'm considering surgery as soon as I can move out of my parents house
@@thetechnocrat6388 same here guys it's taken over my life. how is it now?
@@thetechnocrat6388u done ur surgery
Thank You 😊
Would you say surgery for weak les and hiatal hernia is a good option?
I would definitely take the advice from a medical professional about this! 👍
@@SarahBrickel okay
have this problem silent reflux I did a juice fast 16 days, helped a lot but really change in lifestyle isn't enough this issue is caused by lack of acid so increasing acid in stomach will help greatly as low acid production caused sibo in the gut which inturn causes gases to open up les valve which causes reflux in most cases going to naturopathic doctor, to get various tests acid reducing medications can cause dementia and many other illnesses in the long run they are bad news i wanted to sing and do voice acting and impressions but gonna have to wait till I fully recover
Wow! Yes it's amazing that too listen acid can cause the problems too. We have to have the right balance. I hope you recover soon. Stay positive.
Stefstef Christophe any updates on your voice?
I've lost everything but my chest voice due to acid reflux. I even worried i also had something else now but i still suspect it to be only reflux cause even when i am not talking for a whole day and stay hydriated my throath still hurts and i feel phlegm in my throath, them when i speak i still sound very raspy and i speak and sing in a lower pitch than i used to. I had my vocal cords checked out a year ago (been having issues for 2 years now) and they looked normal, but everything around them was unnaturally red. I can't sing anything higher than a4 in disconnected head voice (it is mostly just air, everything other than chest voice is airy and my chest voice is raspy), before i could sing a whole octave higher in a normal head voice.
How are you getting on with this. What advice did you get to deal with this?
Sarah thanks for this video!... Does anybody know if LPR or GERD causes Salty taste when coughing and Thick Saliiva?...
did you find an answer to this
Thank you so much!!!
You're very welcome.
If you'd like more advice please subscribe to the Singers Advice website. I can send you some exclusive video's including lesson guides and audio downloads to practise to. I am also going to be answering 'Singers Advice' audience members questions personally once a month with a video tailored to your vocal needs/struggles. So make sure you sign up so you can have a chance to get your question answered! There's also a free course you can take on 'releasing vocal tension' All you need to do is go to my site to sign up - www.singersadvice.com
Take care
Sarah
I'm forever clearing my throat I go to a gig and I'll lose the mid to high register in my voice, all the doctor does is give me proton pump inhibitors , I've started eating less drinking more water
Instead of tea , I need to give up alcohol, too all these things do help but it's hard to keep up, I got promised by my doctor to have it looked but had to move out of the area, went to my new doctor more pills, the whole thing is a night mare point less getting to see a doctor now with all this Corona, writing this with a burning painful throat, this year has been my worst for hay fever too.
Yes that sounds awful. I am not a doctor, but the best thing that worked for me was Gaviscon Advanced! Especially before going to bed as that's when the reflux can cause the most damage as you are lying down. Obviously get some advice from a doctor/pharmacist but this really keeps mine under control. Other drugs just made it worse in the long run. 😀
I’ve had phlegm in my throat for 2 years . Constantly . Never knew what it was . The doctor thought it was asthma but I’ve come to a conclusion it’s lpr . I don’t know if it’s too late . I’ve lost pitch with my chest voice ... 😕
It's never too late Lucy. Have you made any lifestyle/diet changes that can start to help your recovery? 😀
Singers Advice not really , it’s difficult . But I don’t drink as much caffeine as I used to . I used to drink a lottttt . And I try and drink more water . 😬
Hello Sara! This video was immensely useful to me. It gave me a lot of peace of mind. I emailed you. Please respond when you can. You rock!
(heres my email in case you don't see it) Greetings Sara!
Much like your silent reflux mine came out of nowhere! No changes in my life. Just suddenly BAM. I thought I had strep throat or mono. I was like "how do I have mono? I don't even kiss anyone or share drinks!" Luckily for me I immediately stopped singing and working. Easy to do when you're a professional loser. Thank you so much for posting that video. I'm only about 6 days into my extended release proton pump inhibitor. I'm getting slight improvement everyday. I'm terrified I'm going to lose my voice. I've adjusted my diet accordingly. I only eat baked chicken breast, pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, and spinach. I'm having a lot of trouble getting doctors appointments because US health is totally in slow motion. The people working (bless their souls) are stuck dealing with mass volume. It also doesn't help that LPR is very rare and their isn't as much research on it.
I did a lot of research myself and most people say the same things as you. They agree the medicine isn't good to use over long periods of time. I also read something really cool about alkaline water. It's water with baking soda but reduced sodium. Expensive as hell but it reduces pepsin in your throat.
I just have some questions for you
1. Should I stop talking completely? Luckily I have the luxury
2. How long should I wait after the symptoms clear to sing?
3. Any advice on proteins? I get really hungry and beans don't go through your intestines as well as other foods which can back up your system.
4. Do you think I'm relatively safe since I haven't been singing or talking much?
5. I found that nicotine is really really bad because it relaxes the muscle that holds down the stomach acid. What are you thoughts about cannabis? It seems mixed online. I'm nearly done quitting anyway and I was a heavy stoner.
I have these moments where I feel clear. I can sing a line or two but if I go low (velvety bassy low) my voice tights up a little.
I'm really worried and could use your council. I'm poor as hell. I'm gonna see doctors as fast as I can but it may not be for A LONG TIME just like what happened to you. I have my first appointment with a EMT doctor coming up in week or so after waiting over a month...*cries*
Please give my music a listen at
echozeta.bandcamp.com/album/the-anomaly-spectrum
I was once a guitar player and singer but I fell off a 15 ft ladder 6 years ago. I have a permanant partial disability and a syrinx in my spine. I was diagnosed with chronic fibromyalgia at 23 and I'm 30 now. I just gave up guitar (cause it was destroying my back and mental health) then this happened. Everything is riding on my voice. I can play piano and stuff but it's pretty painful. Singing is the ticket to saving my back and mental health.
God bless you for your information
and
May the force be with you!
Hi Thomas,
I can't find your email so if you want to drop me an email again it's sarah@singersadvice.com
I can answer in a bit more detail and you can keep in touch with how you are getting on with the reflux. How are thing going? Yes it's a total nightmare. I also read about the alkaline water. I haven't tried it but apparently it can work. It seemed a little extreme but if any one has tried it let us know if it's worked for you.
Definitely keeping a food diary of what triggers you off is a good idea. I bought a book about the foods and the acidity levels. Some were quite surprising. There's also some good recipes in there so that you don't feel like you are eating the same thing all the time and have a varied diet. I will put a link to it on here.
Smoking of whatever kind I would say is a no no! But again you have to see what affects you as an individual. Also look at your stress levels. I find my reflux gets worse when I am stressed or anxious about something. It's good to take time to relax and work through anything that might be causing the stress.
Sorry to hear about your fall. That is awful. It is hard when you have to give up things you love to do. I'm sure thins wont be the case with the reflux. There's a good 'Gerd' facebook group that might be helpful to follow as well as lots of people are sharing their struggles and sucesses with it. I will post the link for this if I can as well.
Take care and I hope things start to get a bit easier for you.
Sarah
I’m constantly needing to clear my throat all the time. I can still hit high notes perfectly fine but it feels a lot more of an effort than it did before and the constant phlegm is causing my voice to sound raspy when I get to my higher range. Also I’ve noticed my stamina has reduced a lot also. Does this sound like an Acid reflux problem? Thanks
It sounds like it could be. I would definitely get a medical advice. 😀
Mate this is the Same for me! I have a 4cm hiatus hernia and I get silent reflux and have the problems you’re describing.
I have acid reflux and i think it’s actually damaged my vocal chords. But i’m still kinda young and they need to fully develop, but it’s extremely painful to sing or talk in general :(
No it's not a normal puberty thing. I'm 16 male and I have been suffering since the last 12-16 months. I have been taking PPI drugs and it had gotten worse. I'm taking like in the morning and at night. I think as soon as I can prepare the cash I'll go for surgery. I suggest you ask your doctors to consider it too. It could heal for you but it might also become as if you have to take medications your whole life. Just google acid reflux surgeries. They have great success rates. Hope you recover. It sucks to not be able to sing. I miss singing so much. :(
both of you guys, don't try to diagnose, go see a doctor and leave it to them. They will be able to diagnose and treat the problem in the best way possible
im currently in the same boat, I can't even talk right now, my doctor said I should make a full recovery though. Singing is also my passion and career plan
I like this
Would you say your voice recovered %100?
Yes it has. I just monitor it now. I know my triggers and can keep it under control 😀
i totally lost my voice for 2 months now o think from this
How r u feeling now
how is it now?