The Link Between Acid Reflux & Sore Throat: Causes & Treatments
Most people associate acid reflux with heartburn, coughing, a hoarse voice, and a sour taste in the mouth. However, repeated episodes of acid reflux can also irritate and inflame the back of the throat.
Often, people with acid reflux complain of a burning or sore throat. Dealing with the issue requires an understanding of the symptoms, potential causes, and how to diagnose the condition. Read on to learn more.
What is Acid Reflux?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), or acid reflux, is a condition where acid moves from the stomach into the oesophagus. Here, it causes irritation and damage. However, if the reflux continues to worsen, people may notice irritation in the throat and a bad taste in the mouth.
Symptoms include:
Heartburn
Acidic/bitter taste in the mouth
Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
Difficulty swallowing
Chest pain
Chronic cough
Hoarseness or sore throat
Feeling of a lump in the throat
Some acid reflux is perfectly normal. It often occurs after eating fatty, acidic, or spicy foods. People who experience repeated episodes of acid reflux should speak to their doctor about the issue. The continual presence of acid in the oesophagus and throat can cause permanent damage if left untreated.
Most causes of GORD occur because of weakened muscles around the base of the oesophagus. Potential risk factors include:
Experiencing atypical oesophageal spasms
Being pregnant
Having a hiatal hernia
Delayed stomach emptying
Read more: GERD and Acid Reflux: Your Comprehensive Guide
Acid Reflux and Sore Throat
Can acid reflux cause a sore throat? Yes.
Heartburn is the most common symptom, as the oesophagus is universally affected in all cases of GORD. But, if the acid manages to move higher up, it can cause inflammation and irritation in the throat.
When we think of a sore throat, we associate it with viral or bacterial infections, e.g. strep throat. However, acid can inflame the region, leading to discomfort, hoarseness, a sensation of something in the throat, and difficulty swallowing.
The more prolonged the acid exposure, the worse these symptoms get. It’s easy to assume a sore throat is just a sign of a cold. Unlike viral infections, a sore throat from acid reflux will remain present as long as the reflux attacks continue. In fact, in “silent acid reflux,” people may experience minimal oesophageal symptoms, meaning a sore throat might be the only indicator that something is going on.
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
When stomach acid rises towards the mouth, it passes through several structures. First comes the oesophagus, or food pipe, that connects your stomach to your pharynx. The pharynx is a cavity located behind the nose and mouth and contains the larynx (voice box).
If the acid reaches this region (often linked to the throat), it can cause significant vocal cord inflammation. This is why people complain of hoarseness, coughing, and feeling that something is stuck in the throat. It’s known as laryngopharyngeal reflux.
Due to the presence of acid in the throat, there is a greater risk of complications. These include acid or food entering the lungs, causing a respiratory infection or a severe case of atypical pneumonia.
Other Sore Throat Causes
Acid reflux isn’t the only cause of a sore throat. In fact, it’s a common problem associated with several conditions. A diagnosis of GORD requires several different symptoms or a positive test result to confirm your medical history.
Other sore throat causes include:
Viral Infections: Common cold, influenza, or COVID-19.
Bacterial Infections: Strep throat or whooping cough.
Allergies: Reactions to pollen, dust, or pet dander.
Environmental Irritants: Smoke, pollution, or chemical exposure.
Overuse: Straining the throat through excessive talking, yelling, or singing.
Dry Air: Indoor environments with low humidity cause throat dryness.
Remember, the critical difference between these causes and acid reflux is longevity. Because reflux attacks occur repeatedly, the sore throat is likely to persist for longer and even worsen. In contrast, a viral infection will clear up within a few days or weeks.
Treating a Sore Throat from Acid Reflux
Most cases of a sore throat from acid reflux will resolve on their own if the acid attacks stop. Therefore, your doctor will advise you on how to treat the underlying cause of acid reflux. We recommend:
Avoiding Trigger Foods: Stay away from spicy, fatty, or acidic foods that can worsen reflux.
Don’t Lie Down After Eating: Wait at least three hours before lying down to prevent acid from moving up.
Elevate the Head of Your Bed: Use blocks or a wedge pillow to raise the bed’s head by six to eight inches.
Lose Weight: Shedding extra pounds can decrease abdominal pressure and reflux.
Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Both can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS), allowing acid to escape into the oesophagus.
If these tips aren’t effective, your doctor may prescribe either a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or histamine-2 blocker (H2 antagonist) to reduce acid production in the stomach. Antacids can also relieve acute attacks by neutralising the acid.
Getting Tested for Acid Reflux
If you’re experiencing a prolonged sore throat, hoarseness, or coughing, it’s sensible to get checked for GORD. The gold standard is 24-hour reflux testing. It involves inserting a little tube with pH sensors into your oesophagus which stays there for 24-hours and detects how much acid there is. If acid is present in the oesophagus, it should confirm whether reflux is to blame for your sore throat.
Here at The Functional Gut Clinic, we’re renowned for acid reflux testing. We use the latest equipment to provide patients with peace of mind. We’ll help you diagnose your condition and will advise on the best course of action. Contact us today to learn more.
