Sore Throat Can Be A Symptom Of Heartburn
What is heartburn? Heartburn is a condition caused by excess acid escaping the stomach and irritating the esophagus.
A muscle in the shape of a ring, separates the stomach from the esophagus. This is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When food enters the stomach the muscle opens and as soon as food gets to its destination the muscle is suppose to close to keep foods and acids from coming back up. When the LES is not working properly acids escape the stomach and enter the esophagus irritating it with stomach acids.
Because the contents of the stomach is so acidic, inflammation develops in the lining of the esophagus and the throat. This is a major reason that some heartburn suffers have a sore throat, it is very common.
The pain or other difficulties caused by sore throat can be treated, with simple self-treatments that can be done at home. Gargling is a recommended practice. You may try gargling with warm water mixed with table salt. Drinking a lot of water is also very important. Get extra sleep, this helps in a much quicker recovery.
If you can’t find home treatments to ease your discomfort from sore throat, a doctor’s advice may be needed. Getting medical attention is advised if more serious symptoms arise.
These symptoms include, difficulty in breathing, dehydration or body water loss, and severe pain. Take antibiotics if you feel that viral or bacterial infections have further developed in the throat.
Popsicles or cold drinks are good for sore throats. Humidifiers or vaporizers can be used to sooth the pain in the throat. And also, sucking on solid candies, which help promote saliva production, works as an alternative remedy. It is known that saliva contains bicarbonates that help neutralize the acids that might have remained in the throat due to the reflux.
Preventive measures and remedies, of course, are available to minimize the incidence of heartburn,and sore throat, as well. One practical and immediate treatment is the application of gravity; that is, the person is kept in upright position most time, to hold the digested materials down. Gravity can help prevent regurgitation, or the traveling of the stomach contents back up to the esophagus.
Eating habits should also be changed to facilitate in the treatment of heartburn. Usual cases of acid reflux usually take place after a meal. It is recommended that evening meals should be eaten earlier and in smaller amounts. This is so that the stomach can get emptied in a shorter period of time as compared to when heavy meals are eaten. Moreover, patients with acid reflux have less chances of regurgitating when they lie down.
Medicines are also available. Some drugs act to neutralize the acids in the stomach and some work by blocking the production of acids by controlling the actions of histamine. You can bet if I can control my problem the natural way, I’m going to do this.
