An E.N.T. doctor explains what you can do to help your sore throat from acid reflux (LPR)—naturally and pharmaceutically.
What are the best drugs for helping relieve a sore throat from acid reflux?
“The best medications for acid reflux are the proton pump inhibitors,” says Dr. Stacey Silvers, MD, of Madison ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery in NYC, who is board certified in otolaryngology.
“Many of these medications are found over the counter in lower doses than can be found in a prescription.
“These medications include Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Zegerid and omeprazole.
“Some patients may require these medications 2 x per day in order to manage their symptoms.
“There is no ‘best’ medication, as different people prefer and benefit from different things.
“If the first medication is not successful for you, then a second one may work better.
“Ideally these medications are not taken forever, and natural, dietary measures are taken and are successful.”
What are the best natural solutions for the sore throat caused by acid reflux?
Dr. Silvers explains, “These natural measures include first and foremost not eating three hours before bed.”
This is a difficult rule for many people to stand by, especially people trying to build muscle who believe that eating protein, even complex carbs, close to bedtime will turn an 11-hour fast into an eight-hour fast.
“Lying down with a stomach full of acid will lead the acid to go up with gravity from lying down,” says Dr. Silvers.
“It is not enough to elevate the head of the bed with a wedge, though this is a helpful natural measure.”
If you’re experiencing symptoms of acid reflux, including those affecting the throat, despite sleeping on a wedge, take note of what and when your last meal was before you got into bed.
“Foods that are high in acid should be reduced including tomatoes, chocolate, onions, alcohol, caffeine, mints and spicy food and citrus.
“If you smoke, QUIT. Some natural methods that are successful for some are apple cider vinegar 3 x per day and aloe. Individual results will certainly vary.”
If your sore throat persists despite these measures, acid reflux may not be the cause; see your doctor.
An NYC expert in ear, nose and throat care, Dr. Silvers has been named among America’s Top Physicians and Surgeons in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology numerous times since 2003.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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