How To Heal Throat Damage From Acid Reflux
Chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) impacts the function of body parts in different ways. One of the main discomforts people can experience is due to acid reflux and sore throats. Many times the condition can cause soreness and swelling to the throat. It’s most common when you suffer from acid reflux a few times a week. As a result, our stomach acid will be rising back up into the throat often, which poses a risk of irritation. In this article, we will discuss how to heal acid reflux throat damage.
Effects of Reflux on the Throat
Prolonged acid reflux can have more lasting effects on the throat, including:
Esophagitis: irritation of the lining of the throat caused by stomach acid.
Continuous cough: often, people with GERD feel a constant need to clear their throats, causing soreness and hoarseness.
Dysphagia: difficulty swallowing caused by the formation of scar tissue in the lining of the esophagus caused by GERD or a narrowing of the esophagus.
Hoarseness: acid reflux can cause hoarseness in the voice caused by throat irritation or scratchiness.
Acid Reflux and Sore Throat
Sore throats are uncomfortable, but the good news is they can often be soothed with home remedies and without the need for medication. Here are some tips for soothing your sore throat:
Avoid Certain Foods: Eat small and frequent meals and avoid fatty, spicy, or acidic foods. These items are more likely to induce symptoms such as heartburn and sore throat. Avoiding trigger foods that cause heartburn can assist you in managing your acid reflux. Keeping a diary with specific triggers can help you to better keep track of them.
Experiment with Textures: When your throat is especially sore, you may also want to experiment with different textures of food to see which do not irritate it further. Softer foods may be good for some, while liquids like smoothies and soup are best for others.
Drink More Tea: Warm and soothing tea can help alleviate a sore throat. Add raw, unfiltered honey to help coat your throat and prevent that itchy, scratchy feeling.
Eat Smaller Meals: Eating large meals can exacerbate acid reflux. Instead, aim to eat smaller meals throughout the day to avoid triggering your acid reflux.
Take the time to try one or all of the recommended tips on how to heal acid reflux throat damage. In the event that your sore throat persists, schedule a consultation with a reflux specialist who can help you explore other options.