The Connection Between Your Throat and Acid Reflux

Many people may have experience with acid reflux, which is a result of digestive fluids leaving your stomach due to your lower esophageal sphincter being weak. When your lower esophageal sphincter is weak, it causes the acid from food to escape from your stomach and travel back up to your throat.

Acid reflux can generate a burning sensation that stretches from the stomach to the throat, posing challenges for those experiencing it. The fluids moving upward from the stomach to the throat encompass bile salts, gastric acid and pepsin, typically expelled through burps or coughs. Occasionally, these acidic substances might decline, leading to a burning feeling along the throat and esophagus, exacerbating the discomfort associated with acid reflux.

Furthermore, there is a second valve at the top of your esophagus by the upper esophageal sphincter. If this is weak and opens, the fluids will enter your throat. There is a strong connection between your throat and acid reflux, here is what you should know about the connection to prevent acid reflux.

Issues to Your Pharynx and Larynx

Extended instances of acid reflux have the potential to cause harm to the pharynx and larynx. When stomach acid and digestive enzymes repeatedly flow back into the throat, they may irritate and inflame the tissues lining these areas. This irritation can manifest as symptoms like a sore throat, hoarseness, chronic cough or a sensation of a lump in the throat. Over time, this ongoing irritation might lead to more serious issues like alterations in the tissues of the pharynx and larynx, potentially affecting their function and causing voice changes or swallowing difficulties. Seeking prompt medical attention from an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist and effectively managing acid reflux are essential steps to minimize the risk of long-term damage to these vital structures.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux Effecting Your Throat

Symptoms of acid reflux affecting the throat can manifest in various ways, often indicating potential harm to the throat lining. These symptoms may include:

• Frequent throat clearing: An increased need to clear the throat, independent of eating or drinking, could suggest acid reflux has impacted the pharynx lining.
• Scratchy or hoarse throat: Experiencing a persistent scratchy or hoarse feeling in the throat might be a potential risk caused by acid reflux.
• Sensation of a lump in the throat: A consistent or intermittent feeling of a lump in the throat could indicate potential damage due to acid reflux.
• Soreness or irritation: Persistent soreness or irritation in the throat may indicate ongoing effects of acid reflux on throat tissues.
• Difficulty swallowing: Acid reflux-induced risks might lead to difficulty while swallowing, warranting an ENT to address this concern effectively.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your ENT specialist. They will be able to look over your symptoms, diagnose and provide treatment for your acid reflux.

Consume Smaller Meals

Consuming smaller meals can serve as an effective strategy to prevent acid reflux. Opting for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large ones helps reduce the amount of food in the stomach at any given time. This, in turn, minimizes the likelihood of excess stomach acid production and prevents it from flowing back into the esophagus. Additionally, smaller meals promote better digestion, easing the workload on the stomach and potentially alleviating symptoms of acid reflux. Incorporating this dietary adjustment, alongside avoiding trigger foods and adopting healthy eating habits, can significantly contribute to managing and preventing acid reflux symptoms.

Avoid Various Triggers

Avoiding trigger foods can be crucial in preventing acid reflux symptoms. Certain foods, such as citrus fruits, spicy dishes, tomatoes and caffeinated beverages, are known to exacerbate acid reflux. Steering clear of these trigger foods helps reduce the likelihood of stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus, mitigating symptoms like heartburn. Making mindful dietary choices by avoiding these triggers can significantly contribute to managing and preventing acid reflux.

Cutting Back or Stopping Smoking

If you smoke, quitting smoking is recommended not only to enhance your overall health but also to reduce the risk of acid reflux. Smoking is known to heighten the likelihood of acid reflux and aggravate the condition of your throat lining. The combination of smoking and acid reflux can collectively weaken the throat.

Additionally, incorporating some home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms caused by acid reflux. Consuming warm tea or cold milk can provide soothing relief to the throat. Integrating cucumbers into your daily diet can also have a calming effect on the throat due to their properties, which aid in breaking down acid.

If you’d like to learn more about acid reflux and how your diet can impact your throat health, contact ENT Specialists. Call us today at (402) 983-9948, we will be able to diagnose and treat and ear, nose and throat symptoms you are experiencing.