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. However before that, we need to know all about the ailment of acid reflux.

Our stomach is connected to the mouth by 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.

Though an 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 an acid reflux is a 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.

In this condition, a person 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 acid reflux sore throat. However, it is important to visit the doctor if the ailment 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.

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 pain and bring relief to the individual.

• One of the best methods for treating a acid reflux sore throat is a 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 the pain and irritation.

• Another treatment method is 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 in this condition.

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 decreasing the problem.

• One home remedy that you can try 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 an acid reflux sore throat.
• Eating smaller quantities of food, rather than having heavier meals is also a good way of treating this problem. 

Moreover, one must inculcate the habit of having an early dinner, i.e., at least two hours before sleeping time as this will prevent an acid reflux, thus avoiding throat pain.

• Sucking candies is also a great way of finding relief. 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.

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. Take care!

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.