Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition that causes stomach acid to flow back towards your throat. More specifically, the acid moves from the stomach through a tube called the esophagus that connects your mouth to your stomach and the rest of your GI tract.
Left untreated, acid reflux can cause a variety of other health problems with your throat. At our Nashville ENT and Allergy Clinic, we diagnose and treat GERD, as well as any associated conditions, through personalized care.
Read on to learn more about how acid reflux can affect your throat as well as tips for managing GERD symptoms so they do not damage your throat.
Understanding Acid Reflux
Acid reflux can be caused by the lower esophageal sphincter being too lax or not closing completely. Normally, the LES opens and allows food to pass into your stomach before closing again.
When someone has GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter does not work properly. Acid then flows back up through your throat, and it may even reach your mouth. Over time, this causes inflammation (swelling and irritation) that can lead to other issues.
Common symptoms of acid reflux are:
A burning feeling in the chest shortly after eating (heartburn); it may worsen when you lie down
Repeated throat clearing or the urge to clear your throat
Hoarseness or a scratchy voice after eating
Sore throat
Frequent return of acid or food into the throat (regurgitation)
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Pain in your chest or upper abdominal region
Feeling like there is a lump in your throat
Some people are at a higher risk of developing GERD. Risk factors of acid reflux include:
Obesity
Nicotine
Overeating
Eating before bed or late at night
Eating GERD trigger foods, like spicy, fatty, fried, and citrus foods
Drinking alcohol or coffee regularly
Taking medications that can cause acid reflux, including medications for high blood pressure, some antibiotics, ibuprofen, and Aspirin, among others
The Relationship Between Acid Reflux and Throat Problems
Because stomach acid is so powerful, it can cause serious irritation and inflammation to your throat. The ongoing inflammation can become a chronic problem that leads to other conditions, including esophagitis. It can also lead to chronic inflammation that creates permanent scarring, bleeding, or lead to the development of painful ulcers.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors can diagnose acid reflux in a variety of ways, usually through a combination of physical assessment and diagnostic testing. Your doctor may perform a test called an endoscopy, in which a camera on a tube is inserted into your throat. They may also take tissue samples or perform a pH test to gauge the acid levels in your esophagus.
Treatment includes a variety of lifestyle and dietary changes, such as avoiding trigger foods, quitting smoking, and no longer drinking acidic drinks (such as alcohol and coffee). Lifestyle changes can include eating smaller portions, planning your meals well before bedtime, and elevating your head when you rest.
You may also be prescribed medication such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and H2 blockers.
Prevention and Self-Care Tips
Self-care can help prevent acid reflux throat problems; for example, staying hydrated and using throat lozenges can soothe your esophagus and reduce the effects of acid on your throat.
Managing risk factors is also helpful, as they can not only reduce symptoms but prevent the likelihood of throat problems as well. Take care to avoid risk factors like smoking, obesity, and stress.
Call OAT Today
Contact the throat experts at our Nashville ENT and Allergy Clinic today. Whether you are looking for new treatment options or seeking diagnosis, we’re here to help. Click here to connect with us and schedule an appointment.
