Having acid reflux on occasion is nothing to worry about, especially if you’ve just a had a large meal. However, if you have acid reflux two or more times per week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and you should talk to your healthcare provider.
Acid reflux can also be a symptom of other health conditions. They are usually conditions that put pressure on, loosen, or weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) valve, the muscular ring connecting the esophagus with the stomach. The LES normally prevents food from moving out of the stomach and back up into the esophagus.
A few strategies you can use to get rid of acid reflux in throat include:
Making lifestyle changes (e. g. , avoiding fatty foods and alcohol, not eating too close to bed time)Taking over-the-counter (OTC) medicationsTalking to your provider about prescription medicationsUsing general sore throat home remedies for your symptoms
Why Acid Reflux Hurts Your Throat
When someone has GERD, the LES becomes weak or fails to close tightly, causing food and stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus. The lining of the esophagus can become inflamed or irritated from these acids, which can cause a burning chest pain and sometimes a sour taste or cough. Sore throat is often one of the symptoms of GERD.
Short-term sore throat from acid reflux is caused by the digestive fluids burning your tissues. Long-term sore throat can indicate GERD with coughing, which adds to the inflammation, swelling, and throat pain.
Effects of Acid Reflux
You can’t ignore chronic acid reflux, hoping it will go away. If nothing else, the fluid or feeling in the back of your mouth will make you want to swallow, and it will burn going back down. It will only get worse until you do something.
If you have GERD complications, other serious health problems including respiratory diseases, or conditions that could be masked by GERD symptoms, the best thing you can do is talk to your healthcare provider.
Serious complications of GERD can include:
Esophagus erosion: Esophagus tissue lining is worn away by acid, so sores (ulcers) may develop. Barrett’s esophagus: This refers to damage to the lower portion of the esophagus. It’s usually a result of repeat exposure to stomach acid. The esophagus lining starts to resemble an intestine lining. Esophageal cancer: The risk of esophageal cancer seems to be higher in people who have more frequent symptoms.
Acid Reflux Sore Throat Remedies
When you have the occasional acid reflux episode, sore throat remedies can help. However, the most relief you will get is by addressing the underlying cause of your chronic acid reflux.
Some lifestyle changes may also be able to help. Once you begin treatment for your condition, you’ll notice you won’t need to manage symptoms as much.
Lifestyle Changes
One of many studies found that quitting smoking improved not only people’s acid reflux episodes, but their overall quality of life scores as well.
Chest painAppetite lossPersistent vomitingProblems or pain while swallowingSigns of bleeding in the digestive tract, such as vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds, and stools that contain blood or look black and tarryUnexplained weight loss
Some foods are GERD triggers and should be avoided to prevent reaction, including:
Spicy, minty, fatty foodsAcidic fruits and fruit juices, such as citrus and tomatoesCoffee, chocolate, and other sources of caffeineCarbonated beverages, such as soda, kombucha, and tonic waterAlcoholic drinksEating within three hours of bedtime
OTC Medications
You can get over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums and Rolaids, to help neutralize your stomach acids and reduce acid reflux symptoms. They are convenient when you’re at a dinner event and start to feel heartburn. They are not for everyday use, though.
Other OTC medications include:
H2 receptor blockers: H2 blockers lower the amount of acid your stomach makes. H2 blockers can help heal the esophagus, but not as well as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can. You can buy H2 blockers over the counter, or your healthcare provider can prescribe one. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs lower the amount of acid your stomach makes. PPIs are better at treating GERD symptoms than H2 blockers, and they can heal the esophageal lining in most people with GERD. You can buy PPIs over the counter, or your healthcare provider can prescribe one. Healthcare providers may prescribe PPIs for long-term GERD treatment.
Prescription Medications
Symptoms of acid reflux from GERD are usually manageable, but if you have not found relief with OTC options or lifestyle changes, you can talk to a healthcare provider about prescription-strength options (prescription medications).
Drink extra cold liquidsGargle with salt water to alleviate inflammation and irritationAdd honey to a warm beverageSuck on lozenges or a popsicle
Your healthcare provider may prescribe the following medications:
Lioresal (baclofen): Reduces the relaxation of the LES which allows acid backwashProkinetics: Strengthens the LES and helps stomach empty faster
Summary
The best way to cope with the sore throat caused by acid reflux is to identify and manage the cause of your acid reflux. In the meantime, you can drink warm beverages, gargle with salt water, and suck on lozenges or a popsicle to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms.
A Word From Verywell
If you’re experiencing a sore throat from acid reflux, it may be time to talk to your healthcare provider. If you have not tried lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and avoiding irritating foods, you can start there, one choice at a time.
It’s not easy, but even reducing smoking by a single cigarette or alcohol consumption by a single drink a day can make a difference. The longer you can work on your goals, the better equipped you are to prevent serious complications such as esophagus erosion and cancer.
Your healthcare provider may talk to you about other factors, including weight, sleeping habits, and your diet. If your acid reflux is severe, you can take OTC and even prescription medications to help with the symptoms and minimize the occurrence of acid reflux.
