Why Acid Reflux Causes a Sore (Inflamed) Throat and How to Treat It

A persistent sore throat can be frustrating, especially when it doesn't come with common cold or flu symptoms. In many cases, the culprit is not an infection but a digestive condition known as acid reflux. Acid reflux can irritate the lining of the throat, leading to soreness, hoarseness, and even difficulty swallowing.

In this article, we explain how acid reflux causes a sore or inflamed throat, outline the symptoms to look out for, and share practical treatment strategies that can provide relief and prevent long-term complications.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents, including digestive acid, flow back into the oesophagus. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring-like muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach, weakens or relaxes when it shouldn't.

When acid reflux becomes frequent or chronic, it's diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. While most people associate GERD with heartburn, it can also cause less obvious symptoms, particularly in the throat. This variation is often referred to as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or silent reflux, because it doesn’t always present with classic symptoms.

How Acid Reflux Affects the Throat

The oesophagus and throat are not equipped to handle stomach acid. When acid reaches these areas, it can cause inflammation and irritation. The result is often a sore or scratchy throat, especially in the mornings or after eating.

There are several ways acid reflux can cause throat symptoms:

• Direct irritation of the throat lining by stomach acid
• Activation of pepsin, a stomach enzyme that becomes more harmful in acidic conditions and can damage throat tissue
• Repeated exposure to refluxed acid, which can lead to inflammation of the vocal cords and upper esophagus

Even small amounts of acid reaching the throat on a regular basis can lead to chronic inflammation and soreness.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux-Related Throat Irritation

Many people are surprised to learn that their throat symptoms are linked to acid reflux. Some may not even experience the typical burning sensation in the chest. Common throat-related symptoms include:

• Persistent sore or inflamed throat
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Feeling of a lump or tightness in the throat
• Frequent need to clear the throat
• Dry cough, especially at night
• Postnasal drip or a sensation of mucus in the throat
• Bitter or sour taste in the mouth
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing

Because these symptoms can mimic other conditions, such as allergies, colds, or sinus infections, it’s important to consider reflux as a possible cause if the symptoms persist.

When to See an Acid Reflux Specialist

While occasional acid reflux is common, chronic throat irritation should not be ignored. You should seek medical advice if:

• Your sore throat lasts longer than a week or keeps coming back
• You have difficulty swallowing or feel like food gets stuck
• You experience unexplained hoarseness or voice changes
• You have a chronic cough without signs of infection
• You frequently wake up with throat pain or a sour taste

Diagnostic tests such as a laryngoscopy, pH monitoring, or endoscopy may be used to evaluate the cause of your symptoms.

How to Relieve a Sore Throat Caused by Acid Reflux?

If acid reflux is the cause of your throat discomfort, the goal of treatment is to reduce acid production, prevent reflux episodes, and protect the throat lining. Here are the most effective treatment strategies.

Lifestyle and Diet Changes

For many people, lifestyle modifications can significantly improve symptoms:

• Avoid trigger foods like spicy dishes, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol
• Eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of large, heavy meals
• Don’t lie down or recline for at least two to three hours after eating
• Raise the head of your bed to reduce night-time reflux
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the stomach
• Stay hydrated and sip water throughout the day to soothe the throat
• Stop smoking, as it can weaken the oesophageal sphincter and worsen reflux

Medications

If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may recommend medications that help reduce or neutralise stomach acid:

• Antacids: Provide quick relief by neutralising acid already in the stomach
• H2 blockers: Reduce acid production
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Stronger medications that block acid production
• Alginate-based treatments: Form a barrier that prevents acid from rising into the esophagus

It’s important to use these medications under medical supervision, especially for long-term management, as prolonged use can lead to side effects.

Throat Relief Strategies

To soothe an already inflamed or sore throat:

• Gargle with warm salt water to reduce irritation
• Use lozenges or throat sprays for temporary relief
• Drink herbal teas like chamomile or ginger, which may have calming effects
• Avoid speaking excessively or straining your voice

If postnasal drip is present, treating sinus or allergy symptoms may also improve throat discomfort.

When Surgery May Be Considered

In severe or treatment-resistant cases of GERD, surgical options like fundoplication or the LINX procedure may be considered. This procedure reinforces the lower oesophageal sphincter to prevent acid from flowing back into the oesophagus.

Surgery is usually reserved for people who do not respond well to medication or those who experience complications like strictures, Barrett's oesophagus, or severe throat damage.

Preventing Future Episodes

Once symptoms are under control, it’s important to maintain the lifestyle changes that helped. Staying consistent with dietary adjustments, weight management, and avoiding known triggers can significantly reduce the risk of future flare-ups.

Keeping a symptom diary may also help you identify personal triggers, such as specific foods, eating habits, or stress levels.

In Summary

A sore or inflamed throat caused by acid reflux can be persistent and disruptive, especially when not recognised as a reflux symptom. Fortunately, once identified, there are multiple effective ways to manage and treat it. Addressing the root cause—acid reflux—through lifestyle changes, medications, and medical support is key to long-term relief.

If you’ve been dealing with chronic throat irritation without a clear explanation, consider speaking to your doctor about the possibility of reflux. Early intervention can prevent further discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.