Many people have acid reflux on occasion. This can cause heartburn, as well as throat pain when acids from the stomach back into the digestive tract. Acid reflux can also be chronic. Untreated, it can not only be chronically painful, but also lead to serious damage to the esophagus and throat.
Function
A lower esophageal muscle, or sphincter, normally protects the esophagus from acid backup by opening when food or liquid enter the stomach and then closing. The sphincter may relax at times and fail to close properly, leading to heartburn. People who experience acid reflux more than twice a week may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Contributing Factors
Certain factors, such as obesity, smoking and pregnancy can contribute to acid reflux. A hiatal hernia, a condition that pushes an upper portion of the stomach into the chest cavity, can also increase the risk of acid reflux.
Throat Irritation
The irritation from frequent acid reflux can lead to a sore throat, according to the Mayo Clinic. This sore throat can persist until the underlying acid reflux is treated.
Voice Problems
Acid reflux can cause voice problems or painful symptoms in the back of the throat, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Some people do not know they have heartburn or acid reflux because of a condition called silent reflux, which may not cause acid regurgitation. Symptoms include sore throat, hoarseness, a sensation of a lump in the throat and persistent throat clearing. Singers may notice they have a sluggish voice from acid reflux. Damage to the vocal cords may occur.
Damage
Long-term acid reflux can lead to a precancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus and sometimes to cancer of the throat or esophagus, according to the University of Michigan Health System. The esophagus can become inflamed because of the frequent stomach acid damaging the esophageal lining. Bleeding ulcers, or esophagitis, may result. Scarred tissue can narrow the esophagus and make swallowing difficult, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other symptoms may include vomiting blood, shortness of breath, coughing and hoarseness.
Prevention/Solution
Treatment can minimize damage to the throat, esophagus and stomach from acid reflux. If over-the-counter antacids or medications do not alleviate symptoms, doctors can prescribe stronger medications. Proton pump inhibitors, available over the counter or in prescription strength, relieve symptoms and also heal the esophageal lining. Dietary changes can also reduce symptoms. Doctors sometimes advise patients to avoid foods and beverages that worsen symptoms. Fatty and fried foods, citrus fruits, tomato-based products, caffeine and alcohol may increase occurrences of acid reflux. People can also eat small meals, lose weight if necessary and not smoke to prevent bouts of acid reflux.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC): Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- MayoClinic.com: GERD-Complications
- American College of Gastroenterology: The Word on GERD
- MayoClinic.com: Sore Throat-Causes
- University of Michigan Health System: Voice and Throat Problems from Acid Reflux
