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What is the Connection Between Acid Reflux and Sore Throat?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

Many people with acid reflux also suffer from sore throats. This is because there is a direct connection between acid reflux and sore throat. The hallmark of acid reflux is the experience in which partially digested food, stomach acid, or a combination of the two travels from the stomach up into the esophagus and sometimes as far up as the throat. If this happens on a regular basis, the person experiencing acid reflux may develop a sore throat. This is because the acid that comes into the throat is corrosive and can cause the throat to feel raw.

There are a number of ways to treat acid reflux and sore throat. Most medications and treatments for acid reflux will also take care of all of the symptoms of the condition, including sore throat. In addition to being treated with medication, acid reflux and sore throat can be treated with a number of dietary and lifestyle changes. A person can avoid the types of foods and beverages that are known to cause acid reflux. Such foods and beverages include acidic foods, spicy foods, fried foods, coffee, and alcohol. People who are trying to combat acid reflux and sore throat without the use of medicine can easily obtain a list of foods and beverages to avoid.

Drinking cold water can help with acid reflux and a sore throat.
Drinking cold water can help with acid reflux and a sore throat.

For people who need immediate help with their acid reflux and sore throat, there are a number of things that can be done. Drinking plenty of water is very helpful. This will help to rinse acid away from the throat. Soothing beverages such as herbal teas with honey can also help to manage acid reflux and sore throat. Some people also find that gargling with salt water can help with a sore throat that is the result of acid reflux.

Sucking on hard candy may help soothe a sore throat and acid reflux.
Sucking on hard candy may help soothe a sore throat and acid reflux.

In order to numb the sensation of pain in the throat, people suffering from acid reflux and sore throat can also drink cold beverages,while avoiding any cold or iced versions of the kinds of beverages that can cause acid reflux, and also suck on popsicles. The coldness should help to numb the throat a bit and ease the pain. Also, sucking on hard candies or throat lozenges can also help to manage acid reflux and sore throat. In addition to soothing the throat, candies and lozenges also cause frequent swallowing and the production of excess saliva, which can help to wash away acid that has backed up in the throat.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Discussion Comments

mrwormy

I thought I heard on the news that president Obama actually had to cancel some speeches because of a severe sore throat. His spokesman said that it was related to acid reflux. I rarely get acid reflux myself, but I can understand how it would affect someone's ability to speak if it were bad enough to reach his throat.

AnswerMan

Before I got my severe acid reflux under control, I had a perpetual sore throat and coughing fits. I could tell my family and co-workers were seriously bothered by my constant coughing and throat clearing, but I just couldn't help it. When I'd have one of my acid reflux episodes, some of the stomach acid would reach my throat and cause acid burns. The pain would be almost unbearable the next morning.

I discovered my acid reflux was stress-related, so I asked to be transferred to a less stressful position at work. I don't have to talk on the phone, and I'm in an isolated office with a door. My voice is still rough from all of that acid damage, but at least I'm not having nightly bouts of vomiting and nausea. Acid reflux is no joke.

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    • Drinking cold water can help with acid reflux and a sore throat.
      By: Dmytro Smaglov
      Drinking cold water can help with acid reflux and a sore throat.
    • Sucking on hard candy may help soothe a sore throat and acid reflux.
      By: Bert Folsom
      Sucking on hard candy may help soothe a sore throat and acid reflux.
    • Acid reflux may cause a sore throat.
      By: xalanx
      Acid reflux may cause a sore throat.
    • Sucking on a popsicle may be beneficials when dealing with acid reflux and a sore throat.
      By: JackF
      Sucking on a popsicle may be beneficials when dealing with acid reflux and a sore throat.
    • Throat lozenges might ease the discomfort of acid reflux and sore throat.
      By: FirstBlood
      Throat lozenges might ease the discomfort of acid reflux and sore throat.
    • Gargling with saltwater can soothe a sore throat caused by acid reflux.
      By: JackF
      Gargling with saltwater can soothe a sore throat caused by acid reflux.