Burning Sensation in Throat

Are you experiencing a burning sensation in the back of your throat? It can cause a lot of discomfort and pain. Now, there can be several reasons for it, like inflammation caused due to infection, allergy, etc. In common cases, having very hot and spicy foods can lead to burning in the mouth and throat. However, there are more severe causes that can result in this condition. First, let us take a look at the potential causes, and then proceed to treatment and home remedies.


If a person sings or talks loudly for a longer period, he experiences irritation in the throat, which can even feel like a burning sensation. Eating very hot food, or eating large quantity of food in short time, stress, anxiety, etc. are other common causes. Smoking is another leading cause of burning sensation in mouth and throat. Apart from these, following are some of the other underlying causes for burning in throat and mouth in adults and children.

➔ Acid Reflux Disease
Acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most prominent cause of burning sensation in the mouth, throat and stomach. This condition occurs when the acid in the stomach seeps back into the esophagus. Burning in throat after eating, sour taste in mouth, nausea, etc., are some of the symptoms of this disease.

➔ Common Cold / Flu
Sore throat or inflammation in the throat is a symptom of viral infections like common cold and influenza (flu). Viral infections are prominently seen during winter, specially in case of children and older people. Cough, fever, runny nose, etc., are some of the other symptoms.

➔ Allergies
Burning, irritation in throat and chest can also be a symptom of an allergy, more prominently airborne allergies. Allergic reactions to air pollutants, any food dishes, etc., can lead to inflammation in the throat, headache, nausea, and some other related symptoms.

➔ Esophagitis
Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus that is caused due to a variety of reasons like infections, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, a side effect of surgery or chemotherapy, etc. In most of the cases, it occurs as a complication of acid reflux disease. Apart from irritation in the throat, chest pain, excessive belching, etc., is also observed.


If you experience sore or strep throat that leads to burning in the throat, you can go for over-the-counter medications or home remedies. Over the counter medications like sprays and soothing lozenges can be taken to get relief. Treatment of acid reflux disease include use of medication like antacids, Proton Pump Inhibitors, etc. Symptoms of allergy, common cold and flu can also be treated with medication. However, apart from the regular treatment methods, there are several home remedies that are equally effective for providing relief.

☞ Turmeric powder mixed with warm milk is one of the best remedy to ease sore throat. You can add a pinch of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk and have it once every day.

☞ Having hot soups like chicken soups and vegetable broths also help in giving quick relief from the pain and discomfort in the throat, if caused due to cold or flu.

☞ Honey also contains natural soothing properties. You can have 1-2 teaspoon of honey, 1-2 teaspoon of lemon juice in a glass of warm water and have it as a remedy for sore throat.

☞ Gargling with salt water is yet another method to ease the burning sensation in throat. Add 1-2 pinch of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle 3-4 times a day for quick relief.

☞ Acid reflux sore throat can be treated by having less spicy meals and having cool buttermilk or coconut water after meals.

As preventive measures, remember that avoiding hot and spicy food can prevent acid reflux disease to a great extent. You should, specifically, avoid eating spicy food at night. Secondly, avoid foods that trigger acid reflux like oily, fatty and salty foods. Similarly, quitting smoking is also one of the surest way of preventing irritation in throat. Stress can also have a negative effect on your digestive system and overall health. Therefore, look for ways to reduce stress.

Following these simple remedies and preventive measures can give you relief to a large extent. However, if symptoms persist even after using these home remedies, you should consult the doctor immediately. Lastly, note that this write-up is meant for educational purposes; and should not be substituted for proper medical advice. Take care!