Acid Reflux Sore Throat

Acid reflux is a medical condition where the food that we eat travels back to the mouth, along with the stomach acid. This condition, which is also called GERD or heartburn is caused due to indigestion and is most likely to occur at night. To know what is acid reflux sore throat, we have to understand how this problem actually occurs, in detail. But before that, know all about acid reflux disease.

Acid Reflux or GERD

Our stomach is connected to the mouth with the esophagus which is an elongated tube that passes through our throat. Once the food passes through this tube and reaches the stomach, the lower part of the esophagus which is called the esophageal sphincter, closes, thus preventing the food from flowing back. However, sometimes the sphincter is not able to close completely due to which the food, along with the acids that the stomach produces for digesting the food, flows back through the esophagus into the throat and to the mouth. The cause of acid reflux is mainly improper eating habits and it can be seen in people of all ages, especially young babies, pregnant women and old people.

Acid Reflux and Sore Throat

Though acid reflux is something that occurs to most people occasionally, one may not have any major problems. However, people who have this problem very frequently may have to suffer some discomfort due to it. One of the most common problems as well symptoms caused by acid reflux is sore throat. As the pH level of the stomach acids is very low, it causes inflammation on the lining of the esophagus, thus causing sore throat. When an individual has sore throat caused by acid reflux, he experiences severe pain and discomfort in the throat just like when he has flu. This is also the reason why many people do not consult the doctor when suffering from sore throat because of acid reflux. However, it is important to visit the doctor if the sore throat persists for a long time because if it remains untreated, more serious complications like breathing problems and bleeding ulcers may arise, which may make the act of eating and drinking extremely difficult.

Cure

Although it is important to take the opinion of a doctor when it comes to the treatment, there are some simple remedies that can be tried at home to ease out the throat pain and bring relief to the individual. Let us take a look at some important remedies for this condition.

• One of the best methods for treating sore throat caused by acid reflux is the most traditional home remedy that is used for normal sore throat, i.e. salt water gargle. In a glass of warm water, add sufficient amount of table salt and gargle 3-4 times in a day to find relief from sore throat.
• Another way of curing sore throat caused due to acid reflux is by restricting the intake of foods that cause acid reflux which include fried foods, tomatoes, chocolates, citrus fruits, drinks containing caffeine, spicy foods, garlic, alcohol, onions and peppermint. Read more on food diet for acid reflux.
• Other than these methods, one effective remedy is drinking ample amounts of water. Water is said to have certain healing properties which flushes out acid in the throat, thus curing the pain and irritation caused by sore throat.
• Altering one's sleeping position is also a great way of treating as well as preventing acid reflux. Lying down by keeping the body straight allows the stomach acids to enter the upper part of the body. Hence, you should sleep by elevating the upper part of your body with the help of pillows. This will restrict the regurgitation of the acids into the esophagus, thus avoiding or increasing the problem of sore throat.
• One home remedy that you can try to get rid of the discomfort caused by sore throat is to consume tea that is made by mixing honey in it. Apart from this, even cough drops are said to be effective in curing sore throat caused by acid reflux.
• Eating smaller quantities of food, rather than having heavier meals is also a good way of treating this problem of sore throat caused by acid reflux. Moreover, one must inculcate the habit of having an early dinner, i.e. at least two hours before sleeping time as this will prevent acid reflux from occurring, thus avoiding throat pain.
• Sucking candies is also a great way of finding relief from sore throat. This is because when sucking candies, the mouth produces more saliva which aids in eliminating the acid from the throat because of the presence of bicarbonates.

These were some of the ways in which you can do away with the problem. However, one important thing that you have to remember is that though these methods are effective, they do not substitute for the medications given by a doctor. Rather, they should be practiced along with the medications, mostly antibiotics that the physician prescribes to alleviate the problem of sore throat caused by acid reflux. Take care!