Acid Reflux: How To Get Rid of It

If you have a burning in your throat, you could be experiencing acid reflux. While uncomfortable, these symptoms are easy to treat and prevent.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is stomach acid rising into your esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. At the end of your esophagus is a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which usually prevents acid from rising, but due to various factors, it may malfunction.

The lining of the esophagus isn’t used to harsh stomach acid. It can become inflamed and irritated, causing a burning sensation within the chest and a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.

How to Treat Burning in Your Throat

To combat heartburn and other symptoms, you will first want to identify the causes. Certain personal factors can increase GER, such as being overweight or pregnant. In both cases, the stomach experiences added pressure that causes stomach acid to rise.

Sometimes stomach acid increases due to triggers like:

• Overeating
• Eating too quickly
• Spicy, acidic and fried foods
• Smoking
• Meals high in fats and oils

Reflux can also occur when the LES is relaxed and doesn’t close properly. Consuming chocolate or alcohol can cause the LES to relax.

What Settles Acid Reflux in the Throat?

When you understand the causes of your acid reflux, you can find remedies, medication and lifestyle changes that will relieve you.

Home Remedies

When you want to get rid of acid reflux in your throat fast, one of these remedies might help. They work differently for each person, so be aware of your body and what works best for you.

Try to alleviate heartburn by:

• Chewing sugar-free gum: Chewing gum can increase saliva production, helping neutralize stomach acid.
• Munching on alkaline fruits and veggies: Certain foods, like bananas and cauliflower, have properties that enable them to fight off reflux symptoms. 
• Eating watery foods: Celery, cucumbers, broth-based soups, teas and more can all work to decrease the acidity in your stomach.
• Drinking low-fat milk: Low-fat, nonfat and plant-based milk can temporarily relieve burning sensations.
• Consuming ginger: Ginger reduces inflammation, calming your throat and stomach.

Medication

Several over-the-counter (OTC) medications can quickly relieve heartburn and other reflux symptoms. A few you could try include:

• Tums
• Rolaids
• Omeprazole
• Cimetidine
• Famotidine

Lifestyle Changes

Altering your habits can help you prevent reflux in the future. A few changes you could consider include:

• Achieving a healthy weight
• Practicing portion control
• Eating slowly
• Staying upright after eating
• Changing your diet to avoid trigger foods and beverages
• Wearing loose clothing
• Quitting smoking
• Elevating the upper body while sleeping

How Long Does Acid Reflux Throat Burn Last?

Acid reflux symptoms can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Since a food trigger often causes heartburn, the discomfort will usually pass once the food has been digested.

When to See a Doctor for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a common experience for many adults, but if you have heartburn or other symptoms more than twice a week, you may want to speak with your doctor. You’ll also want to contact your doctor if your symptoms are accompanied by:

• Chest pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Appetite loss
• Problems while swallowing
• Bloody stool
• Unexplained weight loss