I would say that it most definitely affects the ability to sing. From my own experience, after some serious purging episodes, my throat can be quite scratchy and I sound hoarse. Plus, I feel like I have to constantly clear my throat.

I am a singer I haven't noticed too many effects on my singing voice but I know that I would be much better if I didn't purge.

Yes.

Reflux and vocal disorders in singers with bulimia.

Journal of Voice, Volume 12, Issue 1, Pages 89-90

S. Rothstein



Summary of a study:

"Dysphonia associated with bulimia has been described in the literature associated with vocal fold edema and polypoid changes. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) has been documented to cause reflux vocal fold pathology including edema and polypoid changes. We studied eight singers with bulimia and documented vocal fold pathology, including edema, posterior commissure hypertrophy, ventricular obliteration, and telangiectasia. Reflux was demonstrated in all eight. The results of this study showed that LPR may be a contributing factor to vocal disorders in singers with bulimia."

I sing in my free time and notice a defenite difference - so much so that I can tell when I've been purging too much. Just be careful, cause it sucks to have a sore throat and try to sing. ;)

Thank you so much for you responses! I just started singing and I dont want purging to interfere.