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Burning Sensation in Throat: Causes And Remedies

Madhura Pandit
Common cold and allergy are the common causes of sore throat or burning sensation in throat. This symptom can be treated with medication and remedies. Here is detailed information on the same.
Burning in the back of your throat can be 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 lead to this condition.

Causes

Acid Reflux Disease

Acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the acid in the stomach seeps back into the esophagus. Irritation in throat and stomach 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 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 a person sings or talks loudly for a long period, he experiences irritation in throat. 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.

Remedies

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 includes use of medication like antacids, Proton Pump Inhibitors, etc. Symptoms of allergy, common cold and flu can also be treated with medication. It is recommended to consult the doctor before taking any medication.
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 helps clear the 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. Take care!
Disclaimer: Note that this information is meant for educational purposes only; and should not be substituted for proper medical advice.