Can Acid Reflux Cause A Sore Throat?

Over 60 million Americans suffer from acid reflux at least once every month. Commonly referred to as heartburn, acid reflux can range from mildly annoying to extremely uncomfortable. And in some cases, you may even develop a sore throat as a result of acid reflux.

If you are experiencing both heartburn and a sore throat, it’s important to know what your options are. There are some treatments you need to be aware of to ensure your comfort. If you have a child who is suffering from a sore throat and heartburn, this guide will show you how you can help lessen their symptoms.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is the result of your stomach contents flowing backward into your esophagus. You may experience acid reflux when your lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, becomes weakened, thus making it easier for stomach acids to flow through.

Your LES is a band of ring-shaped muscle at the bottom of your esophagus. This valve is responsible for opening up to let food and fluids travel down to your stomach so that they can be properly digested. Once this process is complete, the LES closes to prevent those items from coming back up.

If your LES has become weakened, it won’t be able to close tightly enough to stop food and liquids from returning through your esophagus. When this happens, you experience a burning sensation in your throat.

And if it continues to happen, it can ultimately cause you to have a sore throat. Fortunately, you can combat this problem by making changes to your diet and taking the right medicines. But what should you do if you have a baby who is experiencing a sore throat caused by acid reflux?

Treating a Sore Throat Caused by Acid Reflux

If you have a newborn who is suffering from a sore throat caused by acid reflux, the best thing you can do is treat the root cause of the problem. So while you can certainly provide relief through various over-the-counter medicines for sore throat, it’s better to treat the acid reflux itself.

Otherwise, the problem will continue to resurface, and your baby won’t get extended relief. Unfortunately, many of the over-the-counter medications for infants (and adults, for that matter) contain artificial inactive ingredients that you may not want in babies’ little bellies.

Fortunately, you have a safe, organic alternative, thanks to Genexa. As the first clean medicine company, Genexa is committed to providing families everywhere with clean alternatives made from the same active ingredients you need, but without the artificial inactive ingredients you don’t.

To treat your newborn’s acid reflux, Genexa’s Probiotics for Infants will help support your baby's digestive and immune system.

Probiotics are good bacteria that serve to fight off bad bacteria. The bad bacteria is what’s responsible for causing a variety of illnesses and symptoms, including acid reflux. Thanks to Genexa’s Probiotics for Infants, you can ensure that your baby’s acid reflux is treated correctly.

Unlike other probiotics that come in capsule form, Genexa’s organic formula comes in convenient pouches that contain a powder stick. Simply allow the powder stick to dissolve in a cool drink and mix. It’s that easy!

As per Genexa’s Probiotics for Infants directions, all you have to do isempty the entire contents of 1 stick pack daily into cool food or drink. Mix until dissolved.

The good probiotics need time to take effect, so your little one might not get instant relief. For that, Genexa offers its popular Kids’ Tummy Relief. Genexa’s Kids’ Tummy Relief is clean medicine that uses real ingredients.

Its soothing formula provides your babe with relief from heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach. What’s more, Genexa uses the same active ingredient found in TUMS® but without the artificial inactive ingredients.

These convenient organic chewables are easy to use and safe for children and adults alike when used as directed. When your little one starts experiencing acid reflux, give them the recommended dose (below) to provide immediate relief.

Directions for Kids’ Tummy Relief:

• Children under 24 pounds (under 2 years of age): Ask your baby’s pediatrician.
• Children 24 to 27 pounds (2 to 5 years of age): Chew 1 tablet as symptoms occur. Make sure that you don’t exceed 3 tablets in 24 hours.
• Children over 48 pounds (6 to 11 years of age): Chew 2 tablets as symptoms occur. Make sure that you don’t exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours.

Other Helpful Tips For Acid Reflux

There are other actions you can take to help relieve acid reflux and sore throat, such as changing your baby’s eating habits. The same is true for adults, so if you’re suffering from the same issues, consider adjusting your diet.

A great way to do this is to try different foods to see what is easiest on your throat. You may need to examine your baby’s food to make sure that what they are eating isn’t too coarse. If it is, there’s a possibility that it’s causing your little one to have a sore throat.

Find Foods That Soothe

As such, you’ll have to seek out new food brands or types until you find ones that provide a smooth texture. Sit with your baby and watch their reactions when they eat certain foods or drink certain beverages.

If it looks like they are experiencing discomfort when they swallow, consider eliminating that food item. Try the next food to see what kind of reaction you get. If your baby is able to swallow without issue, stock up on that particular food product.

If everything you give them appears to be hurting their throat, it’s likely that it isn’t the food causing the sore throat. At this point, there’s a good chance that there’s something else that needs to be addressed.

Consider Probiotics

As mentioned above, your best option might be probiotics to ensure that the acid reflux is attacked at the source. Speak with your baby’s pediatrician to make sure they agree before proceeding if you’re uncertain about where to start.

If you are experiencing a sore throat due to acid reflux, take a good look at the types of food you consume throughout the week. Do you typically eat spicy foods? What about fatty foods? Both of these can cause you to experience acid reflux.

Foods that are acidic are also likely culprits of acid reflux. The more of these foods that you consume, the worse your acid reflux will be. And with frequent consumption of these foods comes a sore throat.

Pay Attention To What You Drink

Foods aren’t the only thing that can lead to acid reflux. Beverages play a key role in this area, so it’s important to examine what you drink, as well. If you’re a daily coffee or tea drinker, caffeine can absolutely trigger acid reflux.

What’s more, they can also irritate your esophageal lining. If you drink decaffeinated coffee or tea, you should be in good shape.

Other beverages that can upset your digestive process and cause acid reflux include alcoholic drinks, soda, and citrus drinks. You might have to give up orange juice or lemonade, for example, if they are causing your reflux to act up.

Tomato juice is another problematic beverage for many people. If you drink these types of beverages for their nutrients, consider switching to vitamins and supplements to replenish your intake.

Acid reflux tends to be at its worst shortly after eating. It can also spike when you lie down or bend over. As such, try to prop up your neck and shoulders when you go to bed at night or take a nap.

In doing so, you can help prevent your stomach acids from flowing up and into your throat. By following these helpful tips, you’re less likely to experience acid reflux as often.

Barrett’s Esophagus

It is crucial that you seek medical attention if your sore throat is persistent. If you start having trouble swallowing, you can’t clear your throat, or have a continuous cough, make an appointment with your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.

You could have a serious medical condition known as Barrett’s Esophagus. This condition is most common in acid reflux patients. Over time, your esophagus lining starts to resemble your intestinal tissue due to the prolonged exposure to stomach acids.

As always, speak with your doctor if you’re having any symptoms that are out of the ordinary or disconcerting.

Summary

If you or your baby are suffering from acid reflux and sore throat, you have safe alternatives that you can trust, thanks to Genexa. More and more families are turning away from the popular mainstays in search of organic options.

That’s where Genexa shines. As the first clean medicine company, Genexa specializes in safe medicines that are designed to keep you and your loved ones healthy. With an extensive selection of products for all ages, you can trust Genexa to help take care of your family.