An “acid like feeling” in the throat is a common, uncomfortable sensation. This symptom often indicates underlying digestive issues. Understanding its causes helps manage discomfort and seek appropriate care.
Understanding the Causes
An acid-like feeling in the throat primarily results from the backward flow of stomach contents. This is called acid reflux, where stomach acid moves into the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) acts as a valve, closing after food enters the stomach to prevent backflow. When the LES weakens or relaxes inappropriately, acid can escape into the esophagus, leading to irritation.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic form of acid reflux. In GERD, the LES often relaxes, allowing acid to repeatedly irritate the esophageal lining. Acid can also travel into the throat and voice box, a condition called Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). LPR can cause throat symptoms without the typical heartburn sensation often associated with GERD.
Certain dietary and lifestyle choices can trigger or worsen acid reflux. Consuming fatty or spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol can relax the LES or increase stomach acid production. Large meals, eating close to bedtime, and carbonated beverages also contribute. Less common factors include a hiatal hernia, certain medications, or delayed stomach emptying.
Recognizing Other Symptoms and Seeking Help
An acid-like feeling in the throat often accompanies other reflux symptoms. Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest, often worsens after eating or when lying down. Other symptoms include regurgitation, where sour liquid or food comes back into the throat or mouth. A chronic cough, hoarseness, or a lump sensation in the throat (globus sensation) may also occur. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and frequent throat clearing are additional indicators.
Seek medical advice if symptoms are persistent or concerning. Consult a healthcare professional if reflux symptoms occur more than twice a week or do not improve with initial lifestyle adjustments. More serious indicators that warrant immediate medical evaluation include severe chest pain, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, jaw pain, or arm pain, as these could signal a heart attack. Additionally, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or black or bloody stools or vomit require prompt medical attention.
At-Home Relief and Lifestyle Adjustments
Practical steps and lifestyle modifications alleviate an acid-like feeling in the throat and manage reflux symptoms. Modifying dietary habits is a primary strategy. Avoiding trigger foods like fatty or spicy items, citrus, chocolate, and peppermint significantly reduces symptoms. Eating smaller, more frequent meals lessens pressure on the stomach and LES. Avoid eating for at least three to four hours before bedtime, allowing the stomach to empty.
Beyond diet, various lifestyle changes support symptom management. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the abdomen, which helps prevent acid from flowing back up. Elevating the head of the bed by six to eight inches, using blocks or a wedge pillow, can use gravity to keep stomach acid down during sleep. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol and caffeine intake are also important, as these can weaken the LES and increase acid production. Managing stress and wearing loose-fitting clothing around the waist can further contribute to relief.
Over-the-counter (OTC) options can provide temporary relief for occasional symptoms. Antacids, such as Tums or Rolaids, work by neutralizing stomach acid and offer fast relief. H2 blockers, like famotidine, reduce acid production and provide longer relief than antacids. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, are stronger acid reducers that can help heal esophageal tissue. It is important to use these OTC medications as directed and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist beyond two weeks.
Professional Treatments and Ongoing Care
When at-home remedies and OTC options are not sufficient, professional medical treatments are available. Prescription-strength H2 blockers and PPIs are often used for more persistent or severe cases of reflux. These medications work by significantly reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, allowing the esophagus to heal.
To better understand the issue, a doctor may recommend diagnostic procedures. An upper endoscopy (EGD) involves inserting a thin tube with a camera to visualize the esophagus and stomach. pH monitoring, either with a catheter or a small wireless capsule, measures the amount of acid reflux over a period, helping to correlate symptoms with acid exposure. Esophageal manometry can assess the function of the esophageal muscles and the LES.
In rare and severe cases where other treatments are ineffective, surgical options may be considered. Fundoplication, such as the Nissen fundoplication, involves wrapping a part of the stomach around the lower esophagus to strengthen the LES and prevent reflux. Another option, the LINX device, involves implanting a ring of magnetic beads around the esophagus to help keep the junction closed, and these procedures aim to create a barrier against acid reflux. Long-term management of chronic reflux is important to prevent complications such as inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis), ulcers, or changes in the esophageal lining like Barrett’s esophagus. Ongoing medical guidance helps ensure appropriate care and minimizes potential long-term consequences.