As the weather turns crisp this autumn, you’re probably looking forward to eating hearty soups and big, meaty roasts for dinner. If you experience acid reflux, however, it might be worth considering how these fall-favorite meals can affect your reflux and, in turn, your throat.
Acid Reflux Explained
For an in-depth explanation of acid reflux, check out our page on acid reflux here. Essentially, acid reflux is when stomach juices (including acid) back up into the esophagus. This can lead to discomfort, heartburn and excessive burping.
Typically, acid reflux mostly affects the lower esophagus and chest, but for some people, it can travel all the way up to the throat. When this happens, it’s known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Many people with LPR may not realize that it’s a form of reflux, as it has an entirely different set of symptoms.
How Does Stomach Acid Affect the Throat?
Stomach acid is powerful. Its job is to break down foods for easy digestion and nutrient absorption. It’s also helpful in neutralizing pathogens and other threats that can enter the body. In order to accomplish these tasks, stomach acid is incredibly acidic. Your stomach is engineered to handle that kind of acidity, but other parts of your body are not.
When stomach acid reaches your throat, it can cause serious irritation and inflammation. This manifests as a range of throat symptoms, including:
- Coughing
- Hoarseness
- Sore throat
- Feeling like you have something stuck in your throat
- Needing to clear your throat often
- Difficulty swallowing
Over time, chronic inflammation from untreated LPR can lead to worse symptoms, permanent damage to the throat and other health complications, such as laryngitis or respiratory infections.
Other Seasonal Throat Health Considerations
It’s especially important to look after your throat health as the weather gets colder, because LPR isn’t the only thing affecting your throat. For one, breathing in cold, dry air dries out your airways and leads to irritation. For another, flu and cold season is just getting started. When these conditions meet LPR, you’ve got a recipe for a very irritated, sore throat.
How to Manage LPR and Protect Your Throat Health
- Stay hydrated. Drinking enough fluids will help keep your throat from becoming too dry and can help alleviate LPR by “washing down” stomach acid. It can also boost your immune system, helping you ward off the viruses that are going around. Warm beverages, such as tea, can also help soothe a sore throat, although you should avoid acidic coffee, as it can worsen acid reflux.
- Eat smaller meals. We know you’re looking forward to that big pot roast dinner, but eating large meals can trigger reflux. Instead, opt for five to six smaller meals in a day.
- Avoid rich, fatty, spicy and acidic foods. These types of food increase the acid in your stomach. Tomatoes are acidic and are often the base for soups, so watch out for them.
- Reduce alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. All of these things can trigger acid reflux. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need help with quitting smoking or drinking.
- Use your voice gently. Try to minimize shouting, whispering, singing and other activities that heavily use your vocal cords. Also avoid speaking for long periods of time, such as leading meetings or having long phone conversations.
- Wear a scarf. As the weather cools, it’s easier for irritants to affect your throat and cause a sore throat. Wearing a scarf can keep your throat warm, and pulling it up over your mouth can help warm the air you breathe and filter out potential irritants.
If lifestyle adjustments aren’t enough to get you the relief you need from LPR and a sore throat, come see our team. Whether your symptoms are caused by acid reflux, a virus, an infection or some combination of factors, we can provide the treatment you need for a healthy throat. Call Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy today to learn more and book an appointment.