Acid reflux occurs when your stomach contents, mostly digestive juices, backflow into your esophagus or throat. One common symptom is a sore throat. Show
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:
Verywell / Nez Riaz Why Acid Reflux Hurts Your ThroatWhen 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 RefluxYou 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:
Acid Reflux Sore Throat RemediesWhen 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. When to See a Healthcare ProviderContact your practitioner if you have any of the following symptoms:
Lifestyle ChangesOne of many studies found that quitting smoking improved not only people’s acid reflux episodes, but their overall quality of life scores as well. Some foods are GERD triggers and should be avoided to prevent reaction, including:
OTC MedicationsYou 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. There’s growing concern about how often we’re choosing to suppress our stomach acid to prevent acid reflux. Research says around 30% of people using acid suppressors like antacids still have symptoms. Some researchers aren’t sold on the idea of suppressing acid production as a way of fighting acid reflux, calling it counterintuitive. Other OTC medications include:
Sore Throat RemediesIf acid reflux is hurting your throat, you can:
Prescription MedicationsSymptoms 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). It may be the case that you only need prescription medications to help with symptom management until you can change lifestyle factors enough to not need the medication anymore. This may not be the case for everybody. Talk to your practitioner to see what’s right for you. Your healthcare provider may prescribe the following medications:
SummaryThe 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 VerywellIf 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. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Michelle Pugle Thanks for your feedback! Can your throat heal from acid reflux?The main goal of any GERD treatment plan is to reduce or eliminate acid reflux symptoms so your esophagus can heal and you can avoid serious complications. Luckily, most cases of GERD respond well to dietary changes, weight loss, smoking cessation, and other strategic lifestyle modifications.
How do you know if your throat is damaged from acid reflux?How acid reflux and GERD may damage the throat. hoarseness.. chronic throat clearing.. feeling of a “lump” in the throat.. chronic cough or cough that wakes you from your sleep.. choking episodes.. “rawness” in the throat.. voice problems (particularly in singers or voice professionals). How can I soothe my throat from acid reflux?10 home remedies for heartburn. Eat a ripe banana. ... . Chew sugar-free gum. ... . Keep a food journal and avoid trigger foods. ... . Resist the urge to overeat or eat quickly. ... . Avoid late meals, snacking before bed and eating before exercising. ... . Wear loose-fitting clothing. ... . Adjust your sleep position.. How long does acid reflux damage take to heal?One manifestation, reflux esophagitis (RO), creates visible breaks in the distal esophageal mucosa. To heal RO, potent acid suppression for 2 to 8 weeks is needed, and in fact, healing rates improve as acid suppression increases.
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