In order to understand the condition known as acid reflux, a short description of the structure and process of the digestive system would be helpful. Where the esophagus meets the stomach is a small circular band of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter. This muscle expands and contracts as food is passed through it on the way to the stomach and the intestines. In the stomach itself, gastric juices are secreted that help break down the food into a manageable state for the stomach to absorb and pass the matter not utilized into the intestines. When the LES does not function properly, the matter in the stomach is able to pass back into the esophagus.
This matter is comprised of food particles and secreted fluids that contain pepsins used to help break the food down. The gastric juices are acidic and slightly corrosive. They will attack the vulnerable linings of the esophagus and throat and cause damage to both. Inflammation occurs and often sore throats ensue.
As sore throats can arise from other causes, acid reflux is frequently treated as another type of ailment. Sore throats can lead to breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the air passages. In the case of a simple sore throat, home remedies are easiest and often effective. At least the painful component of a sore throat can be alleviated by gargling, usually with warm salt water. Re-hydration is a recommended practice as well. Drinking water regularly can aid in many other ailments. Other treatments could include getting plenty of sleep (or at least rest) to strengthen the immune system, drinking any type of cold liquids or popsicles, using humidifiers and vaporizers will mollify the pain of a sore throat, and using lozenges to promote saliva production as saliva contains bi-carbonates that will cancel the acidic portion of the reflux.
More severe cases of acid reflux will require more invasive treatments. Any problems such as dehydration, water loss, breathing difficulty, or increased pain can only respond to drug treatments. If other symptoms persist, consult a physician to determine if a bacterial or viral infection has occurred, in which case antibiotics should be prescribed. Although not common, rheumatic fever is to be considered as a possibility. When a particularly severe sore throat persists, corticosteroids, or anti-inflammatories should be administered.
Any type of procedure or positioning that helps reduce the amount of back flow into the esophagus should be employed. Perhaps the simplest method uses gravity to keep the acidic fluids down in the lower tract. Sitting up right during and after a meal is an effective method to help. As most cases of acid reflux occur after taking a meal, eating smaller portions on a more frequent basis helps to minimize the amount of irritants in your system. The stomach has less to digest at any given time so the chances of regurgitation are lowered.
Drugs are available to counteract the production of harmful acids while others block the production of histamines that stimulate acid production. Blocking acid secretion can be a difficult balance as the stomach does need some acids to extract nutrients and eliminate waste.
ACID REFLUX * CAUSES * SYMPTOMS OF ACID REFLUX * ADULT ACID REFLUX * ACID REFLUX AND PREGNANCY * ASTHMA AND ACID REFLUX * ACID REFLUX AND SORE THROATS * ACID REFLUX IN CHILDREN * ACID REFLUX IN BABIES * ACID REFLUX TREATMENT * ACID REFLUX NATURAL CURES