Is
there any connection between sore throats and
acid reflux? In fact, sore throats are usually
attributed to sinus infection, an allergy to
something, tonsillitis, cold and flu viruses to
name but a few. Sore throat or a chronic
cough that just will not go away may sometimes be
caused by acid reflux. The cause of the sore
throat may be acid reflux even if there are no
symptoms of heartburn, and is therefore sometimes
called silent reflux, supraesophageal reflux, or
laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
In such cases the acid reflux may be
so severe that the stomach acid travels further
back from the esophagus to the larynx. The vocal
cords swell from acid irritation and their normal
vibration is disrupted resulting in symptoms such
as hoarseness, excessive mucous or phlegm, throat
clearing, a sensation of a lump in the throat,
sore throat, choking spells, wheezing, or a sense
of post-nasal drip.
Sore
throat due to laryngopharyngeal reflux is more
common in women than men. While the
condition is made worse with obesity, it occurs
quite frequently in thin, tall women. The
most common symptom is a gravelly voice present
throughout the day. Along with this there
may also be voice fatigability. The
sensation of “a lump in the throat,” is also very
common. This is due to hyperactivity of the
muscle trying to hold the acid down in the
esophagus. Finally, as a response to
laryngeal injury due to the gastric acid, the
larynx produces a significant amount of
mucus. Patients therefore often complain of
persistent throat clearing and the sensation of
postnasal drip. As the body cannot tell if
the “drip” is coming from the larynx or from the
sinuses above, LPR is often confused with sinus
symptoms or even asthma.
The
above three symptoms, chronic throat clearing,
sensation of lump in the throat, and gravelly
voice are the most common presenting symptoms of
sore throat caused by LPR. Chronic throat
pain or the sensation of choking as well as
chronic cough, and wheezing may also be
experienced. Heartburn is not commonly
associated with LPR, and studies suggest that
perhaps only 6% of patients with LPR have
heartburn.
The
treatment of LPR or sore throat due to acid
reflux is the same as that for
gastroesophageal reflux disease. But it is best to
avoid antacids and acid blockers as they only
relieve heartburn symptoms and will not treat the
disease. To cure acid reflux and complications
like sore throat, holistic approach is the best
option. Holistic medicine takes into account all
the aspects like mental, emotional, spiritual as
well as the physical symptoms to actually heal the
body, not just get rid of the symptoms. The
holistic medical practitioner will make
suggestions which may all be incorporated as
healthy lifestyle not only to cure sore throat but
to achieve total
health.
