It’s not the flu, it’s not a cold, and it’s not allergies, so what is causing your sore throat? It could be acid reflux. While most commonly associated with heartburn and indigestion, acid reflux is also associated with throat irritation.
What Is Acid Reflux?
Your stomach produces and contains stomach acid, a fluid that breaks down the food entering the stomach, allowing nutrients to be absorbed by the body and the food to be moved into the small intestine. As the name suggests, stomach acid is highly acidic. The environment inside the stomach is well-equipped to withstand this acidity, but other parts of your body are less so, such as the esophagus and throat.
Acid reflux happens when the valve closing off the esophagus from the stomach relaxes and stomach acid leaks upward into your esophagus and throat. The high acidity of stomach acid inflames the tissues, causing discomfort. Anyone can experience occasional acid reflux.
Chronic Acid Reflux (GERD)
When acid reflux episodes occur at least twice a week for several weeks, it’s considered chronic. Chronic acid reflux is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It’s a very common malady; it’s estimated that 20% of Americans have GERD.
As with non-chronic acid reflux, the valve that closes off the stomach from the esophagus relaxes, allowing food to come back up. However, with GERD, the valve is weakened or not functioning correctly, causing it to have issues closing tightly as it should.
How Does Acid Reflux Cause a Sore Throat?
As mentioned, the acidity of stomach acid causes inflammation when it comes into contact with body tissue outside the stomach. It can have a corrosive effect, especially if it’s a chronic issue. If the tissues of your throat become inflamed, it obstructs the air passageways and increases mucus production. All of these can lead to the uncomfortable symptoms associated with sore throats.
Other Symptoms
- Hoarseness or raspy voice
- Excess mucus in the throat
- Persistent cough
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Painful swallowing or difficulty with swallowing
- Heartburn
- Nausea
How Can I Find Relief?
The typical sore throat remedies—cough drops, allergy medications, nasal sprays, decongestants, pain relievers—don’t always work on acid reflux-caused sore throats, as they don’t address the root problem of acid in the throat. Antacids (Tums, Rolaids) will be much more effective, as they neutralize the stomach acid, but they can have side effects if you take them too often, so while they work well for occasional acid reflux, you’ll need a different solution for GERD.
For a diagnosis and treatment of GERD, you should see an ENT specialist. Often, GERD needs prescription medication to be treated effectively. Contact Carolina Pines ENT today to learn more about GERD and schedule an appointment to find relief from your sore throat.