A sore throat is one of the most uncomfortable things to deal with. It can alter how you speak and even what you eat and drink. Most people relate a sore throat to having a cold or even the flu. But these aren’t the only ways that you can end up with a sore throat. Having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can contribute to developing a sore throat. GERD can be caused by several different conditions.

Causes of GERD

To treat a sore throat that is caused by GERD, you need to concentrate on the root cause of GERD.

• A weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES) can be the main cause of your GERD and sore throat. The (LES) is the diaphragm muscle between the esophagus and stomach that allows food to enter the stomach after it is chewed and swallowed. Once the food goes into the stomach for digestions, the LES is supposed to close. A weak LES doesn’t close properly and can permit stomach acid to leave the stomach and go into the esophagus.
• Other medical conditions can promote GERD or persistent acid reflux. Being pregnant or obese may cause your stomach and intestines to move and compress because of the growing fetus. Shifts in the stomach organ can cause gastric acid to escape into the esophagus.

Symptoms of GERD

A sore throat is one of the symptoms of GERD. It can actually be considered as a symptom of another symptom as well.

• Heartburn is the primary symptom of GERD. Heartburn occurs when the acid from your stomach refluxes up to your esophagus and your throat, causing intense irritation, a burning sensation and tissue damage. Tissue damage in the throat will cause soreness.
• Regurgitation is another symptom of GERD. Regurgitation happens when food and gastric acid is brought up to the esophagus and even into the mouth. This can cause discomfort and a foul odor in the oral cavity. This may contribute to a sore throat.
• Other less common symptoms include nausea, chest pain and abdominal discomfort.

Treatment for GERD and Sore Throat

A typical sore throat requires that you rest your voice, gargle or eat throat lozenges for relief. These methods don’t address the underlying cause—GERD. There are several treatment methods for GERD that can eliminate your sore throat as well.

• Change your diet to include less fatty foods.
• Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol can exacerbate GERD.
• Don’t eat right before bed. This can increase the production of stomach acid at a time when you lay down. Being in a horizontal position can encourage stomach acid to breach your LES.
• Balance the amount of alkaline and acid forming foods in your daily diet.
• Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen and naproxen. Ibuprofen is found in several over-the-counter medications like Advil.

The Reflux Remedy Report contains more information on the symptoms of GERD sore throat and can assist you in determining your risk level. Log on to refluxremedy.com to view additional tips and methods of treating these symptoms.