Burning Throat: Key Symptoms Explained
The burning sensation in the throat can vary from person to person, but it's generally described as a warm, uncomfortable feeling extending from the back of the throat to the chest. It’s often associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD or GERD), where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, leading to indigestion.
The following symptoms can accompany this sensation:
Regurgitation
Some people may experience regurgitation of stomach contents, resulting in a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. This unpleasant taste can persist and contribute to further discomfort.
Difficulty swallowing
In some cases, a burning throat can be accompanied by difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), making it more challenging to eat and drink comfortably.
Understanding these symptoms is crucial for diagnosing the underlying cause of a burning throat and tailoring treatment to alleviate discomfort and improve overall well-being. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, seeking medical advice is recommended.
What causes throat burning?
Several factors can contribute to developing a burning sensation in the throat:
GERD and acid reflux:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common cause of throat burning. Stomach acid coming back up into the oesophagus can lead to irritation and discomfort.
Infections:
- While viral or bacterial infections (e.g., colds, flu, strep throat) can cause a burning sensation in the throat, heartburn and indigestion is primarily associated with GERD. Recognising other symptoms alongside a burning throat can help differentiate between infection-related discomfort and heartburn.
Smoking:
- Smoking can irritate the throat and contribute to a burning sensation along with other symptoms of heartburn and indigestion, particularly for people with a history of smoking.
If you experience persistent symptoms or additional signs of heartburn and indigestion, consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended for accurate diagnosis and targeted management.
Treatments for a burning throat linked to acid reflux or heartburn and indigestion
- Lifestyle modifications: Avoiding trigger foods such as acidic, spicy, or fatty foods as well as coffee and alcohol can help reduce the likelihood of throat burning associated with acid reflux. Examples of foods to avoid include citrus fruits, tomatoes and chocolate.
Elevating the head of your bed, avoiding large meals before bedtime, and quitting smoking are also recommended for reducing symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
- Over-the-counter medications: Antacids are readily available for acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion. Alginates, such as those found in Gaviscon, form a barrier over stomach contents to prevent them from coming back up the food pipe and causing irritating symptoms such as throat burning. Gaviscon also has an antacid, which neutralises excess stomach acid. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are also available for more frequent sufferers of heartburn and indigestion, and work by reducing stomach acid production.
How can Gaviscon help you relieve a burning throat?
Gaviscon Double Action Tablets and Liquid create a protective barrier on your stomach, preventing acid from travelling back into the oesophagus as well as neutralising excess stomach acid. This formulation offers fast relief for up to 4 hours from acid reflux symptoms such as throat burning, making it a convenient choice for those experiencing heartburn and indigestion.
When considering over-the-counter medications for acid reflux, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if your symptoms are persistent or severe.
A burning throat can be an uncomfortable condition. Still, by understanding its causes, recognising the symptoms, and adopting appropriate treatments, you can find relief and take control of your digestive health.
This article is not intended to treat or diagnose, please reach out to a healthcare professional in case of any doubts.
