by Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is annoying when you have it frequently, especially when it causes uncomfortable symptoms like a sore throat. This guide explores the connection between acid reflux and sore throats and provides tips and remedies to help alleviate your symptoms.
Understanding Acid Reflux and Sore Throats.
Acid reflux occurs because stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. That process can lead to various symptoms, including heartburn, chest pain, and a sore throat. The link between acid reflux and sore throats is due to the acid irritating the throat and causing inflammation. If you experience acid reflux and it forces you to have a sore throat, know several remedies can alleviate your symptoms. Immediately accessible is to avoid the foods that trigger your symptoms. If your reflux is only occasional, then taking over-the-counter medications can help. In either case, making lifestyle changes will help as well.
Identifying Symptoms and Triggers.
If you are experiencing a sore throat due to acid reflux, it’s essential to identify your symptoms and triggers. Some signs that could occur before the sore throat include a burning sensation in the chest, difficulty swallowing, and a persistent cough. Triggers and symptoms can differ from person to person; however, some most common ones include spicy or acidic foods, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. Keeping a food diary, learning foods affect you, and avoiding them can help alleviate your symptoms. Also, elevating the head of your bed can help keep the acid in your stomach as you sleep, and avoiding eating before bedtime can also help reduce acid reflux and sore throat symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes to Alleviate Symptoms.
Modifying how you do a few things, such as how you work out or eliminating harmful habits like deep frying foods, can be an effective way to alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and sore throat. A significant change you can make is to eat a low-acid diet, which involves eating fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins and lowering meat intake. One under-recommended change is to perform low-impact exercises. Exercise, such as walking, helps you digest the food in your stomach. Doing crunches, on the other puts a lot of pressure on your abdomen, which can help push the acid past the LES sphincter and into the esophagus.
Additionally (and this was difficult for me initially), eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding eating before bedtime can help reduce symptoms. Placing an acid reflux pillow under your head can help prevent acid reflux and alleviate sore throat symptoms. Finally, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding tight-fitting clothing can also help reduce symptoms.
Medications and Treatments for Acid Reflux and Sore Throats.
In addition to lifestyle changes, medications, and treatments are available to alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and sore throats. Antacids aim to neutralize stomach acid and provide temporary relief. They are a good choice if you experience acid reflux occasionally. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers can are options for individuals diagnosed with GERD. They minimize the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Surgery may be the answer in more severe cases or with medical conditions. Surgery is sometimes necessary to help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent acid reflux.
Use Natural Remedies to Soothe Your Throat.
Several natural remedies can help soothe and heal throat damage caused by acid reflux. Here are some that I’ve tried and found effective. One effective remedy is the slippery elm. You can find this herb in various forms, teas, powders, or supplements. Slippery elm contains mucilage, a substance that coats and soothes the throat. Another natural remedy is aloe vera juice, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Drinking chamomile tea or adding ginger to your diet can also help reduce inflammation and soothe the throat.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Regardless of the online information you read, seeking medical attention is essential if you experience frequent or severe acid reflux and sore throat symptoms. It could indicate you have a more serious condition, such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or Barrett’s esophagus. Your healthcare provider can perform tests and recommend appropriate treatment options to alleviate your symptoms and prevent further complications. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re experiencing persistent discomfort.
Check out my post on doctors and healthcare practitioners who can help you like this one: How Homeopathy Can Help Cure Acid Reflux Naturally
Related post: 4 Rarely Talked About Supplements That Work to Relieve Acid Reflux
