Hoarseness as a symptom: What role heartburn plays and how you can prevent it. Regular heartburn is considered a risk factor for esophageal cancer.

Stomach acid that enters the esophagus can irritate the delicate lining of the vocal cords, causing swelling and inflammation. A modified diet that limits fatty and spicy foods as well as acidic foods and drinks can help. Dr. Silja Schäfer recommends “clean eating” to prevent reflux in the long term.