Acid Reflux And Sore Throats
Acid reflux is a condition triggered off by partially digested food containing digestive acids returning to the esophagus from the stomach.
Our digestive system contains a circular valve like band of muscles named the lower esophageal sphincter at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach. When swallowed food passes down into the stomach, this sphincter shuts itself to prevent this food from returning to the esophagus. When this sphincter malfunctions, the contents of the stomach are allowed to go up to the esophagus causing acid reflux.
The partially digested food in the stomach contains digestion-facilitating acids. When this stuff is allowed to return to the esophagus, the acid inflames the membranes in the throat. A sore throat results, which is a common symptom of acid reflux condition.
Sore throat can result from other causes as well. Pus from inflamed tonsils, drooling, frequent spitting, etc are also possible reasons. Someone with a sore throat may also have difficulty in respiration due to the narrowing of the air passage at the larynx oo pharynx.
Some simple home remedies can alleviate the discomfort associated with a sore throat. Gargling with warm saline water is one such remedy. Drinking plenty of water is another. Good sleep and rest will ensure quick recovery. Popsicles, cold drinks, humidifiers, vaporizers and sucking on candies can also give relief from discomfort. Anything that induces the production of saliva will help, as saliva contains bicarbonates that help neutralize accumulated acids in the mouth and throat.
Home treatments may not serve the purpose always, particularly when you experience difficulty in breathing, dehydration, body water loss and severe pains. Consult a doctor, who is likely to advise a course of antibiotics to combat any suspected bacterial infections and to prevent the development of rheumatic fevers, though rare. He may also advise corticosteroids, to act as an anti-inflammatory medium.
Preventive measures can also be taken. One very good measure is to stay upright as much as possible, even when sleeping. This helps the natural gravitational force to keep the partially digested food from moving up back into the esophagus from the stomach. Just some additional pillows when sleeping will greatly help.
Changing your eating habits can be of immense help. More frequent meals and less quantity at each meal, and eating very little before bedtime are some measures that will help. Such practices help the stomach to empty itself of the undigested food at more frequent intervals, preventing regurgitation. Hopefully, by the time you go to sleep, the food would have already been digested, thus preventing acid reflux.
Doctors also sometimes prescribe medication in the form of antacids and others, to block the production of acids by controlling the impact of histamine.
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