Mature man with sore throat at home from acid reflux

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid leaks back up into the esophagus and throat, causing heartburn and a burning sensation in the chest.  Nearly everyone has experienced it at some time, particularly after eating a large or fatty meal or lying down soon after eating.  Pregnant women sometimes experience bouts of heartburn.  Cases of occasional acid reflux can be treated with over-the-counter antacids.  People suffering with more chronic acid reflux may need to be evaluated by their physician and treated with stronger prescription medication.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

  • Regurgitation – Food or stomach acid backwashes from the stomach to the throat.
  • Burning feeling – Stomach acid burns the esophagus, causing a feeling of burning in the stomach, chest, or throat.
  • Nausea – Queasiness or loss of appetite.
  • Sore throat – Difficulty swallowing; feeling of a lump in the throat.
  • Chronic coughing – Related symptoms include hoarseness or wheezing.
  • Bad breath – a bad or bitter taste in the mouth.
  • Burping or bloating.

Managing Symptoms

Smiling woman savors a nutritious meal following a home workout, with a healthy small meal to prevent acid reflex

Lifestyle and dietary changes may help reduce symptoms. The following are recommendations:

  • Eat smaller meals.
  • Avoid eating late at night.
  • Lose weight.
  • Reduce alcohol consumption.
  • Quit smoking.

Avoid foods that may act as triggers including spicy foods, fried foods, foods high in fat, acidic foods and drinks, citrus fruits and drinks, carbonated beverages, caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, and alcohol.

Prescription Medications

If lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and over-the-counter medications have not worked, it’s time to see your doctor.  There are prescription medications that can successfully treat acid reflux.

  • Proton pump inhibitors – These medications block acid and help heal the esophagus.  Examples include Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix.
  • Prescription strength H-2 blockers – These medications decrease the amount of acid the stomach produces.

Dangers of Not Treating Acid Reflux

Untreated acid reflux can lead to serious health complications.

  • Esophagitis – Stomach acid can cause inflammation and scarring of the esophagus.
  • Esophageal ulcers
  • Narrowing of the esophagus and difficulty swallowing
  • Barrett’s esophagus – The lining of the esophagus changes, sometimes leading to cancer.
  • Aspiration pneumonia – Acid that is inhaled into the lungs can lead to infection.
  • Breathing difficulties and persistent cough
  • Worsening of asthma
  • Dental Issues – Acid erodes tooth enamel and causes decay.

RMD Primary Care

The physicians at RMD Primary Care urge you to make an appointment if you have acid reflux symptoms several times a week, regularly use over-the-counter medications for heartburn or acid reflux, and are having side effects from those medications.  Contact us to schedule an appointment.