Hi,

It appears you are suffering from reflux of acid from the stomach into the oesophagus (food pipe). Since the lining of the food pipe is not strong enough to deal with the acid, it gets damaged and you are feeling a burning sensation and a sore throat. At times, reflux of acid causes inflammation of the vocal cords, manifesting as hoarseness of voice, as in your case. It may also cause cough.

Normally, the acid secreted by the stomach cannot reach the food pipe, as a valve between the food pipe and the stomach prevents its entry into the food pipe. The common causes are excessive acid production, obesity, hiatal hernia, medications or disorders affecting the functioning of muscles in the wall of food pipe. Many medications also have an adverse effect of causing acid reflux. The medications that you are taking, especially Crestor and Fenobrate, are known to cause acid reflux. Anxiety also worsens reflux, as might be in your case.

Reflux can be treated by both medications and life style changes. You can take over the counter medicines like antacids or H2 blockers (ranitidine, famotidine etc.). These are cheap and effective remedies. If these do not give complete relief, there is the option of using proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole etc.), which significantly reduce acid production.

The life style changes that are known to help are:
1) Avoid lying down for at least two hours after food.
2) Avoid fatty and spicy foods.
3) Cut down on smoking and alcohol, as both worsen reflux.
4) Weight loss may benefit those who are obese.

I hope this helps you. Best wishes.

Dr Preeti Parakh

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