Beer And Laryngitis: Is There A Link?

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the vocal cords, usually due to infection, fatigue, or irritation. It can be caused by a cold, sore throat, or even just from overusing your voice. Drinking alcohol and smoking can irritate the vocal cords and larynx, and in some cases, laryngitis may be the body's way of signalling that you should cut back on drinking and smoking. Drinking alcohol may also cause gastric reflux, which can irritate the vocal cords and larynx, leading to reversible voice change. This is known as reflux laryngitis.

Alcohol and laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the vocal cords, usually due to an infection, fatigue, or irritation. It can be acute (short-lived) or chronic (long-lasting). Most cases are triggered by a temporary viral infection and are not serious. However, chronic hoarseness can signal a more serious underlying medical condition.

Alcohol consumption can irritate the larynx and vocal cords, causing chemical irritation that produces changes similar to those observed in smokers. Drinking alcohol may also cause gastric reflux, which can irritate the vocal cords and larynx, leading to reversible voice changes. Therefore, reflux laryngitis should be considered in patients who experience significant voice changes after drinking.

To prevent and manage laryngitis, it is essential to avoid or reduce alcohol consumption. Alcohol can lead to dehydration, further irritating the vocal cords. Instead, staying well-hydrated with water or other non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages can help keep the throat moist and lessen irritation.

In addition to alcohol avoidance, other recommended measures to prevent and treat laryngitis include:

• Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke
• Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air
• Avoiding shouting or continuous talking
• Taking protective measures to limit exposure to irritating chemicals and dust
• Following a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Avoiding spicy foods, fatty foods, and foods high in acid
• Using a microphone or megaphone when speaking to large groups to reduce vocal strain
• Sucking on lozenges, gargling with salt water, or chewing gum to moisten the throat

How alcohol affects the larynx

Alcohol can have a detrimental impact on the larynx, and consistent alcohol consumption can lead to chronic laryngitis. Here's how alcohol affects the larynx:

Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases the production of urine and subsequently leads to dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, the vocal cords become dry, which causes them to vibrate roughly against each other, resulting in hoarseness.

Mucus Overproduction

To combat dehydration, the body may overproduce mucus, which can lead to throat clearing. This action further irritates the vocal cords.

Irritation

The dehydrating effects of alcohol irritate the larynx, creating a "sore throat" feeling. This irritation can lead to chronic laryngitis, a condition where laryngitis lasts for longer than three weeks.

Acid Reflux

Alcohol can upset the stomach, leading to acid reflux. Beer, in particular, can worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to its carbonation. Acid reflux can cause stomach acid to reach the back of the throat, irritating or even damaging the vocal cords.

Cancer Risk

According to the CDC, drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing several types of cancer, including cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, and esophagus. Alcohol is broken down by the body into acetaldehyde, a chemical that damages DNA and can cause cells to mutate into cancerous tumors. These cancers can lead to vocal changes, such as a raspier or quieter voice, or even complete voice loss.

Alcohol and gastroesophageal reflux

Alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor in the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a chronic condition that occurs when stomach contents travel back up into the oesophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, and nausea. It is estimated that around 20% of people in the United States have GERD, with older adults and people who smoke, are pregnant, or have obesity being more susceptible.

Alcohol can damage the oesophageal cells and the gastric (stomach) lining, and it affects the function of the oesophagus in healthy people while also causing symptoms in those with oesophageal inflammation. Additionally, alcohol decreases the pressure of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), which is a band of muscles located where the stomach meets the oesophagus. The LES normally remains contracted to protect the oesophagus from stomach acid until a person needs to swallow food. However, when relaxed, it compromises this protective seal, allowing acid to flow back up into the oesophagus.

Several studies have examined the link between alcohol consumption and GERD, with varying results. A 2019 review of 29 studies found a strong association between alcohol intake and GERD, with increasing alcohol consumption and drinking frequency demonstrating a stronger link. A separate review from 2017 supported these findings, concluding that alcohol decreases LES pressure. However, a Swedish study contradicted these results, finding no association between alcohol consumption and GERD, and no improvement in esophageal pH profiles or symptoms when alcohol consumption was ceased.

Despite the conflicting evidence, healthcare organisations such as the American College of Gastroenterology and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommend that individuals with GERD avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, as they may trigger or worsen symptoms.

Alcohol and vocal cord damage

Alcohol can indeed irritate the vocal cords and larynx, causing laryngitis. Laryngitis is an inflammation of the vocal cords, which can lead to hoarseness or even voice loss. It is usually caused by infection, fatigue, or irritation. Drinking alcohol can also contribute to dehydration and acid reflux, which can irritate the vocal cords. Alcohol can also affect your judgment about how much and how loudly you use your voice, which can lead to vocal cord strain.

Alcohol causes the muscles in your throat to constrict, which may affect your range. It also has an anesthetic effect, causing you to press your vocal cords together harder to achieve a normal sensation while talking or singing. This can further irritate the vocal cords and lead to laryngitis. In addition, alcohol can dry out your throat, making it more susceptible to irritation and inflammation.

Drinking alcohol can also cause gastric reflux, which can irritate the vocal cords and larynx. This irritation can lead to reversible voice change, as the vocal cords become inflamed and swollen. This swelling distorts the sounds produced by air passing over them, resulting in a hoarse voice.

To prevent alcohol-related vocal cord damage, it is important to limit alcohol intake and stay hydrated. Drinking water can help lubricate and protect the vocal cords, keeping them resilient and less prone to injury. Proper vocal warm-ups and rest are also crucial in preventing vocal cord damage.

In summary, alcohol can irritate the vocal cords and larynx, leading to laryngitis and other vocal issues. To maintain vocal health, it is important to limit alcohol consumption, stay hydrated, and practice proper vocal care.

Treating laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the vocal cords, usually caused by an infection, fatigue, or irritation. It can be acute (short-lived) or chronic (long-lasting). Most cases of laryngitis are triggered by a temporary viral infection and are not serious. However, persistent hoarseness can signal a more serious underlying medical condition. Here are some ways to treat laryngitis:

Rest Your Voice

The most important thing you can do when you have laryngitis is to rest your voice. Avoid talking, singing, shouting, or whispering, as these activities can strain your vocal cords and prolong the healing process. If you need to speak before large groups, use a microphone or megaphone to project your voice without straining.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Staying hydrated is crucial when dealing with laryngitis. Drink plenty of water and other fluids to keep your throat moist and soothe irritation. However, avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can irritate your vocal cords and make the condition worse.

Inhale Steam or Use a Humidifier

Moistening the air you breathe can help alleviate laryngitis symptoms. Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or take a hot shower, or use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home or office.

Suck on Lozenges or Gargle with Salt Water

Sucking on throat lozenges can help soothe your irritated throat. Look for lozenges that contain calming herbs like eucalyptus or mint. Alternatively, gargling with warm salt water can reduce swelling and provide relief.

Avoid Decongestants and Irritating Substances

Decongestants can dry out your throat, so it's best to avoid them when dealing with laryngitis. In addition, stay away from smoking, secondhand smoke, and other irritating substances like chemical fumes and dust.

Seek Medical Attention if Necessary

While most cases of laryngitis improve within a couple of weeks with self-care measures, it's important to seek medical attention if your symptoms persist or worsen. Make an appointment with your doctor if your laryngitis symptoms last more than two weeks. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, a persistent fever, or increasing pain over several weeks.

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