According to Dr. Rachna Mehta Shroff - Head and Neck Surgeon and ENT (ENT), India, gastroesophageal reflux (or acid reflux) is a condition in which acid from the stomach flows back into the food pipeline or esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and can seriously affect the throat.
The impact of acid reflux on the throat
Acid reflux not only causes a burning sensation in the chest but can also cause unpleasant symptoms in the throat such as:
Irritation and pharyngitis: reflux acid can inflam the lining of the throat, causing pain and discomfort.
Feeling stuck in the throat: The patient feels like something is stuck in the neck.
Voice problems: Acid reflux can cause stuttering or loss of voice.
How to prevent acid reflux that affects the throat
Eat a reasonable diet: Avoid coffee, chocolate, fried foods, spicy foods, grease, citrus fruits, garlic, onions and carbonated drinks. Reduce consumption if not completely eliminated.
Eat plenty of small meals: Eating small meals helps keep your stomach from getting overloaded.
Avoid drinking tea and coffee on an empty stomach: Eat lightly before drinking to avoid stomach irritation.
Eat dinner early: Eat dinner around 8pm to reduce the risk of reflux.
Drink plenty of water: Water helps balance pH and reduce the risk of reflux.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco: Both increase the risk of acid reflux.
Not sleeping immediately after eating: Maintain a standing or sitting position at least an hour after a meal.
Raise your head while sleeping: Raise your bed sheet about 30 degrees to prevent reflux.
Lose excess weight: Reduce belly fat to reduce pressure on the stomach.
Manage stress: Reduce stress to reduce stomach acid levels.
Note
Dr. Rachna Mehta Shroff says acid reflux is a condition that can seriously affect the throat if not controlled. Making some changes to your diet and lifestyle such as a reasonable diet, eating many small meals, drinking enough water and reducing stress can help reduce the risk of acid reflux and protect your throat.
