Acid Reflux: How to Cope With Throat Symptoms
Acid reflux can have a significant impact on throat health, leading to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, such as heartburn, throat pain, and coughing. It is estimated that one in every five adults suffers from acid reflux. Luckily, there are a number of ways to avoid and treat the symptoms of acid reflux.
Key takeaways:
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is troublesome and can cause many uncomfortable symptoms, such as throat pain and chest discomfort.
If left untreated, acid reflux can cause serious health complications and can even lead to esophageal cancer.
There are many ways to avoid acid reflux symptoms, such as diet changes, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and managing stress.
Treating a sore throat caused by acid reflux can be done by drinking lots of water, avoiding trigger food, and taking over-the-counter treatments.
What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is defined as troublesome heartburn and can cause discomfort in the esophagus or throat. It happens when the valve between the esophagus and stomach does not work properly and fails to keep the acids from the stomach from coming up into the esophagus.
The acids in the stomach are very important for digestion. They help to kill harmful bacteria and help absorb electrolytes and nutrients from the food that we eat.
Some medications available can cause mild relief of symptoms, but do not always work long-term.
What health conditions can acid reflux cause?
Acid reflux can cause serious health complications if left untreated. Even if medication is used, GERD can still occur without the symptoms and, therefore, cause lasting health effects.
Damage to the throat and esophagus
Swelling or narrowing of the esophagus
Barrett’s Esophagus (damage to the esophagus tissue)
Respiratory complications
Esophageal cancer
Why does acid reflux cause a sore throat?
One of the most common symptom of acid reflux is throat pain. The pain is generally caused by acidic fluids from the stomach being brought back into the throat, or esophagus, which causes inflammation and irritation of the throat. This can cause pain and discomfort in the throat, especially in the morning, and can cause a hoarse voice, feeling like a “lump in the throat,” or coughing.
Other symptoms of acid reflux
The symptoms of acid reflux can vary from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include:
Heartburn. One of the other most common symptoms is heartburn. This burning sensation occurs in the chest and can sometimes radiate upwards into the throat.
Regurgitation. This uncomfortable symptom normally happens after eating and can last for several hours. It is described as the sensation of stomach acid or food returning to the throat or mouth. It can cause a sour or bitter taste and may also cause a burning sensation.
Chest pain. Some people with GERD experience chest pain, which can feel similar to a heart attack. The pain can be sharp or dull and may also be in the upper abdomen, chest, or throat.
Difficulty swallowing. In some cases, GERD can cause difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia. This occurs when the esophagus becomes inflamed or narrowed due to inflammation.
Chronic cough. A persistent cough, even after treatment for other conditions, may be a symptom of GERD. This is because the acid can irritate the lungs and throat and cause inflammation in the esophagus, leading to a persistent cough.
Asthma-like symptoms. In some rare cases, acid reflux can cause asthma symptoms. This can cause the airways to become irritated and inflamed and cause constriction of the throat.
Not everyone will experience the same symptoms; some may even experience more serious symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, which is less common.
How to avoid a sore throat due to acid reflux
Lifestyle changes are among the most important factors in decreasing sore throat symptoms caused by acid reflux. Obesity, diabetes, smoking, and genetic predisposition increase the risk of developing acid reflux. There are many ways you can help decrease the symptoms before they cause serious health risks.
Adjust diet
One of the leading causes of acid reflux is food. Some of the most common foods that cause acid reflux are spicy foods, acidic foods like caffeine and alcohol, and fatty, fried foods. Reducing these foods is important to avoid reflux symptoms and prevent a sore throat and other symptoms.
Stay hydrated
Drinking lots of water can help flush or dilute the acids in the stomach and prevent symptoms from getting worse. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day and avoid drinks that are acidic or known to cause worsening symptoms, such as caffeine.
Eat smaller meals
Eating large meals can put pressure on your stomach and lead to acid reflux. Instead, aim to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help reduce the acid your stomach produces and prevent reflux.
Avoid laying down after meals
When lying down right after eating, the stomach acid is more likely to travel back into the esophagus, thus causing acid reflux. To prevent this, wait 2–3 hours after eating to lie down. If you must lie down, elevating your head with a thick pillow could help prevent acid reflux from causing a sore throat.
Avoid smoking
Smoking is a main contributing factor to acid reflux and sore throat because they cause irritation and inflammation of the esophagus. One study found that the risk of GERD was greatly increased in those who smoke vs those who do not. If you smoke, consider quitting, and limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day.
Manage stress
Stress can also contribute to acid reflux, so finding ways to manage stress can help reduce symptoms. Try relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing, and prioritize self-care activities like exercise and getting enough sleep.
At-home treatments for sore throat caused by acid reflux
A sore throat caused by acid reflux can be uncomfortable and cause pain. A few useful steps can be taken to alleviate symptoms and soothe sore throat caused by inflammation:
Drink plenty of water. Not only can this help soothe the symptoms of acid reflux as a whole, but cold water can also soothe and decrease inflammation of the esophagus.
Avoid trigger foods. Being mindful of foods that trigger symptoms can be beneficial to eliminating them from your diet. Try keeping a food diary and noting when you have symptoms of acid reflux; therefore, you can be aware of what foods to eliminate.
Use sore throat lozenges. Although normally advertised for those with viral or bacterial infections, throat lozenges can also help those with throat pain due to acid reflux. Dissolving one as soon as symptoms occur can lessen the pain and tenderness in the throat.
Try over-the-counter antacids. Taking medications specifically made to treat acid reflux can help to reduce the acidity of the acid coming up into the throat. This can substantially reduce pain in the throat.
When to see a doctor
Medication or even surgery may be necessary if lifestyle changes aren't enough to prevent acid reflux. Over-the-counter antacids can temporarily relieve symptoms; however, some prescription medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can help reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces, which can substantially reduce the pain and discomfort of acid reflux.
Preventing a sore throat from acid reflux requires lifestyle changes and medication. Adjusting your diet, staying hydrated, eating smaller meals, avoiding lying down after eating, and managing stress can reduce the frequency and severity of acid reflux symptoms, especially sore throat. It’s important to control symptoms, as there can be serious health complications caused by reoccurring acid reflux. If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor about more advanced options that may be available to you.
Resources:
Clinical Journal of Gastroenterology. Epidemiology of esophageal cancer: update in global trends, etiology and risk factors.
European Journal of Epidemiology. Adiposity, diabetes, lifestyle factors and risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a Mendelian randomization study.
