Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRemediesAcid Reflux Throat PainComplicationsWhen to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Remedies
Acid Reflux Throat Pain
Complications
When to Seek Medical Care
Getting rid of acid reflux in the throat and associated pain might be easier than you think. Lifestyle changes along with medication can rapidly improve symptoms.
Acid reflux occurs when your stomach contents, mostly digestive juices, backflow into your esophagus or throat. One common symptom is a sore throat.
Occasional acid reflux is nothing to worry about. However, if it happens two or more times per week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
If you’re experiencing sore throat pain from acid reflux or suspect you may have GERD, consult your healthcare provider.
Verywell / Nez Riaz
In 2020, the FDA called for all medications containing ranitidine, including Zantac, to be removed from the market. The decision was made following the discovery that ranitidine contains high levels of a known carcinogen called NDMA.If you are using Zantac or another medication that contains ranitidine, followFDA guidance to dispose of it, and ask your healthcare provider about safer alternatives.
How to Get Rid of Acid Reflux
Once you commit to lifestyle changes and/or begin GERD treatment, you won’t need to manage symptoms as much or possibly at all.
Acid Reflux Sore Throat RemediesTry thesesore throat remedies:Drink cold beverages.Gargle with salt waterto alleviate inflammation and irritation.Add honey to a warm beverage.Suck on lozenges or a popsicle.
Acid Reflux Sore Throat Remedies
Try thesesore throat remedies:Drink cold beverages.Gargle with salt waterto alleviate inflammation and irritation.Add honey to a warm beverage.Suck on lozenges or a popsicle.
Try thesesore throat remedies:
Lifestyle Changes
If you have acid reflux or GERD, the following should be avoided:
A 2021 umbrella review found seven risk factors associated with GERD development:Being overweight/obeseWeight centered around the waistSmokingAlcohol consumptionNSAID useCoffee consumptionH. pyloribacteriaThe only protective factor found was physical activity.
A 2021 umbrella review found seven risk factors associated with GERD development:
The only protective factor found was physical activity.
OTC Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids, such as Tums and Rolaids, help neutralize stomach acids and reduceacid reflux symptoms. These products are a quick, convenient way to control heartburn. However, they are not for everyday use.
Other OTC medications include:
Research says that potentially half of people suffering from acid reflux do not experience full relief using the current mainstay PPI therapy.Because of this, it’s suggested that future approaches to chronic acid reflux (GERD) should reach beyond acid suppression. Factors such asgastroparesis,dyspepsia,hypersensitive esophagus, and psychological and neurological disorders also play a role in many cases.
Prescription Medications
Symptoms of acid reflux from GERD are usually manageable, but if you have not found relief from lifestyle changes and/or OTC products, consult a healthcare provider about prescription options.
You may only need prescription medications to help with symptom management until you can change lifestyle factors sufficiently to no longer need the medication. This may not be the case for everybody.
Your healthcare provider may prescribeprokinetics,which can strengthen thelower esophageal sphincter (LES)and help the stomach empty faster.
Why Acid Reflux Hurts Your Throat
With GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak or fails to close tightly, causing food and stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus.
The lining of the esophagus can become inflamed or irritated from these acids, which can cause a burning chest pain and sometimes a sour taste or cough.Sore throatis often one of the symptoms of GERD.
How Long Does a Sore Throat From Acid Reflux Last?
Effects of Acid Reflux
Chronic acid reflux should not be ignored. Consult your healthcare provider.
Serious complications of GERD can include:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms with acid reflux:
Summary
The best way to get rid of acid reflux is to identify and address the cause. Risk factors include being overweight, smoking, and alcohol and caffeine consumption. In addition to making lifestyle changes, OTC and prescription medications are available to help manage symptoms.
Sore throat pain is a prominent problem with acid reflux and GERD. Drinking warm or cold beverages, gargling with salt water, and sucking on lozenges or a popsicle can help alleviate discomfort in the short term.
If acid reflux occurs more than occasionally consult your healthcare provider, as serious complications can result from non-treatment.
21 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chen J, Brady P.Gastroesophageal reflux disease: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.Gastroenterology Nursing. 2019;42(1):20-28. doi:10.1097/SGA.0000000000000359Food and Drug Administration.FDA requests removal of all ranitidine products (Zantac) from the market.Commisso A, Lim F.Lifestyle modifications in adults and older adults with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gerd).Critical Care Nursing Quarterly. 2019;42(1):64-74. doi:10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000239University of Michigan Health - Michigan Medicine.Laryngopharyngeal reflux.Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).Chang CH, Chen TH, Chiang LL, et al.Associations between Lifestyle Habits, Perceived Symptoms and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients Seeking Health Check-Ups.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(7):3808. Published 2021 Apr 6. doi:10.3390/ijerph18073808Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, Greer KB, Yadlapati R, Spechler SJ.ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27-56. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001538Cheng Y, Kou F, Liu J, Dai Y, Li X, Li J.Systematic assessment of environmental factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.Dig Liver Dis. 2021;53(5):566-573. doi:10.1016/j.dld.2020.11.022Eusebi LH, Ratnakumaran R, Yuan Y, Solaymani-Dodaran M, Bazzoli F, Ford AC.Global prevalence of, and risk factors for, gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms: a meta-analysis.Gut. 2018;67(3):430-440. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2016-313589Campbell R, Kilty SJ, Hutton B, Bonaparte JP.The Role of Helicobacter pylori in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017;156(2):255-262. doi:10.1177/0194599816676052University Hospitals.Is the Long-Term Use of Antacids Safe?Histamine Type-2 Receptor Antagonists (H2 Blockers). In:LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; January 25, 2018.Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.Proton-pump inhibitors: What you need to know.Sharma P, Yadlapati R.Pathophysiology and treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease: looking beyond acid.Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2021;1486(1):3-14. doi:10.1111/nyas.14501Ren LH.Addition of prokinetics to PPI therapy in gastroesophageal reflux disease: A meta-analysis.WJG. 2014;20(9):2412. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i9.2412Clarrett DM, Hachem C.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gerd).Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214-218.Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.Sore throat (pharyngitis).Spechler SJ.Barrett esophagus and risk of esophageal cancer: a clinical review.JAMA. 2013;310(6):627. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.226450Johns Hopkins Medicine.Esophagitis.National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Dysphagia.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GER & GERD.
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chen J, Brady P.Gastroesophageal reflux disease: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.Gastroenterology Nursing. 2019;42(1):20-28. doi:10.1097/SGA.0000000000000359Food and Drug Administration.FDA requests removal of all ranitidine products (Zantac) from the market.Commisso A, Lim F.Lifestyle modifications in adults and older adults with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gerd).Critical Care Nursing Quarterly. 2019;42(1):64-74. doi:10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000239University of Michigan Health - Michigan Medicine.Laryngopharyngeal reflux.Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).Chang CH, Chen TH, Chiang LL, et al.Associations between Lifestyle Habits, Perceived Symptoms and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients Seeking Health Check-Ups.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(7):3808. Published 2021 Apr 6. doi:10.3390/ijerph18073808Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, Greer KB, Yadlapati R, Spechler SJ.ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27-56. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001538Cheng Y, Kou F, Liu J, Dai Y, Li X, Li J.Systematic assessment of environmental factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.Dig Liver Dis. 2021;53(5):566-573. doi:10.1016/j.dld.2020.11.022Eusebi LH, Ratnakumaran R, Yuan Y, Solaymani-Dodaran M, Bazzoli F, Ford AC.Global prevalence of, and risk factors for, gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms: a meta-analysis.Gut. 2018;67(3):430-440. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2016-313589Campbell R, Kilty SJ, Hutton B, Bonaparte JP.The Role of Helicobacter pylori in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017;156(2):255-262. doi:10.1177/0194599816676052University Hospitals.Is the Long-Term Use of Antacids Safe?Histamine Type-2 Receptor Antagonists (H2 Blockers). In:LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; January 25, 2018.Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.Proton-pump inhibitors: What you need to know.Sharma P, Yadlapati R.Pathophysiology and treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease: looking beyond acid.Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2021;1486(1):3-14. doi:10.1111/nyas.14501Ren LH.Addition of prokinetics to PPI therapy in gastroesophageal reflux disease: A meta-analysis.WJG. 2014;20(9):2412. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i9.2412Clarrett DM, Hachem C.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gerd).Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214-218.Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.Sore throat (pharyngitis).Spechler SJ.Barrett esophagus and risk of esophageal cancer: a clinical review.JAMA. 2013;310(6):627. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.226450Johns Hopkins Medicine.Esophagitis.National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Dysphagia.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GER & GERD.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Chen J, Brady P.Gastroesophageal reflux disease: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.Gastroenterology Nursing. 2019;42(1):20-28. doi:10.1097/SGA.0000000000000359Food and Drug Administration.FDA requests removal of all ranitidine products (Zantac) from the market.Commisso A, Lim F.Lifestyle modifications in adults and older adults with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gerd).Critical Care Nursing Quarterly. 2019;42(1):64-74. doi:10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000239University of Michigan Health - Michigan Medicine.Laryngopharyngeal reflux.Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).Chang CH, Chen TH, Chiang LL, et al.Associations between Lifestyle Habits, Perceived Symptoms and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients Seeking Health Check-Ups.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(7):3808. Published 2021 Apr 6. doi:10.3390/ijerph18073808Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, Greer KB, Yadlapati R, Spechler SJ.ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27-56. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001538Cheng Y, Kou F, Liu J, Dai Y, Li X, Li J.Systematic assessment of environmental factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.Dig Liver Dis. 2021;53(5):566-573. doi:10.1016/j.dld.2020.11.022Eusebi LH, Ratnakumaran R, Yuan Y, Solaymani-Dodaran M, Bazzoli F, Ford AC.Global prevalence of, and risk factors for, gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms: a meta-analysis.Gut. 2018;67(3):430-440. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2016-313589Campbell R, Kilty SJ, Hutton B, Bonaparte JP.The Role of Helicobacter pylori in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017;156(2):255-262. doi:10.1177/0194599816676052University Hospitals.Is the Long-Term Use of Antacids Safe?Histamine Type-2 Receptor Antagonists (H2 Blockers). In:LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; January 25, 2018.Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.Proton-pump inhibitors: What you need to know.Sharma P, Yadlapati R.Pathophysiology and treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease: looking beyond acid.Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2021;1486(1):3-14. doi:10.1111/nyas.14501Ren LH.Addition of prokinetics to PPI therapy in gastroesophageal reflux disease: A meta-analysis.WJG. 2014;20(9):2412. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i9.2412Clarrett DM, Hachem C.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gerd).Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214-218.Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.Sore throat (pharyngitis).Spechler SJ.Barrett esophagus and risk of esophageal cancer: a clinical review.JAMA. 2013;310(6):627. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.226450Johns Hopkins Medicine.Esophagitis.National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Dysphagia.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GER & GERD.
Chen J, Brady P.Gastroesophageal reflux disease: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.Gastroenterology Nursing. 2019;42(1):20-28. doi:10.1097/SGA.0000000000000359
Food and Drug Administration.FDA requests removal of all ranitidine products (Zantac) from the market.
Commisso A, Lim F.Lifestyle modifications in adults and older adults with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gerd).Critical Care Nursing Quarterly. 2019;42(1):64-74. doi:10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000239
University of Michigan Health - Michigan Medicine.Laryngopharyngeal reflux.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).
Chang CH, Chen TH, Chiang LL, et al.Associations between Lifestyle Habits, Perceived Symptoms and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients Seeking Health Check-Ups.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(7):3808. Published 2021 Apr 6. doi:10.3390/ijerph18073808
Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, Greer KB, Yadlapati R, Spechler SJ.ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27-56. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001538
Cheng Y, Kou F, Liu J, Dai Y, Li X, Li J.Systematic assessment of environmental factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.Dig Liver Dis. 2021;53(5):566-573. doi:10.1016/j.dld.2020.11.022
Eusebi LH, Ratnakumaran R, Yuan Y, Solaymani-Dodaran M, Bazzoli F, Ford AC.Global prevalence of, and risk factors for, gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms: a meta-analysis.Gut. 2018;67(3):430-440. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2016-313589
Campbell R, Kilty SJ, Hutton B, Bonaparte JP.The Role of Helicobacter pylori in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017;156(2):255-262. doi:10.1177/0194599816676052
University Hospitals.Is the Long-Term Use of Antacids Safe?
Histamine Type-2 Receptor Antagonists (H2 Blockers). In:LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; January 25, 2018.
Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.Proton-pump inhibitors: What you need to know.
Sharma P, Yadlapati R.Pathophysiology and treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease: looking beyond acid.Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2021;1486(1):3-14. doi:10.1111/nyas.14501
Ren LH.Addition of prokinetics to PPI therapy in gastroesophageal reflux disease: A meta-analysis.WJG. 2014;20(9):2412. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i9.2412
Clarrett DM, Hachem C.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gerd).Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214-218.
Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.Sore throat (pharyngitis).
Spechler SJ.Barrett esophagus and risk of esophageal cancer: a clinical review.JAMA. 2013;310(6):627. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.226450
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Esophagitis.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Dysphagia.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GER & GERD.
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