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Burning Throat : What Can Cause Burning Sensation in Throat?

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Have you been getting up in the morning with a burning throat or burning sensation in the throat of late, then it may indicate towards a problem with your stomach, especially if it has been the case on a frequent basis. There can be other causes as well.

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Burning Throat
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This burning throat or burning sensation in the throat may not only bother you when you first get up in the morning but it may also happen when you eat or drink something which may be eating something spicy in the afternoon or having a shot or two of alcohol in the evening. This burning throat or burning sensation in the throat is also seen pregnant females. Below mentioned are some of the common causes resulting in burning throat or burning sensation in throat.

Burning Throat: What Can Cause Burning Sensation in Throat?

Burning throat can be caused by simply a sore throat or an inflammation of the adenoids but there are also some other causes which can cause a Burning Sensation in the Throat, of which GERD which is also known as Acid Reflux is the most common.

Burning Sensation in Throat Caused Due to GERD or Acid Reflux: In case GERD is the cause of Burning Sensation in Throat then you will experience the sensation right up in the throat or right at the bottom of the throat. This sensation tends to get worse with swallowing anything be it liquid or solid foods. You can also have an acidic taste in your mouth. To understand how this happens, it is important to understand the anatomy of the stomach first. The esophagus and the stomach are connected to each other by a band of muscle fibers which is known as the Esophageal Sphincter. This function works like a diode which means it opens only one way. When we swallow food this sphincter opens to allow the food to pass through to the stomach. It then closes so that the food products do not regurgitate back into the esophagus. In conditions like GERD, this Esophageal Sphincter relaxes or opens up when indeed it is not supposed to, resulting in the acids and digestive juices secreted by the stomach to go back into the esophagus resulting in a burning sensation in the middle of the chest which is known as heartburn. These juices at times reach up to the throat resulting in throat burning or burning sensation in the throat due to irritation to the throat caused by these acid and digestive juices.

Burning Sensation in Throat Caused Due to Esophagitis: This is also one of the causes of a Burning Throat Burning. Esophagitis is a condition in which there is inflammation of the lining of the esophagus. The major cause of this condition is again Acid Reflux, although other conditions like an infection to the esophagus, a recent surgical procedure to the esophagus or administration of chemotherapy can also result in esophagitis with resultant burning throat or burning sensation in the throat.

Burning Throat Caused Due to Pregnancy: Feeling of throat burning is quite common in pregnant females. This is so because during pregnancy a hormone called as progesterone is released which slows down the digestive process to an extent. This along with a growing baby inside results in food products, digestive juices, and acids to reflux back into the esophagus and then into the throat causing a burning sensation in throat.

Burning Sensation in Throat Caused Due to Alcohol: Quite often you might have noticed a sensation of burning in throat after consuming a bit too much of alcohol. This occurs because alcohol has a tendency to relax the esophageal sphincter and if a person drinks too much alcohol then it completely opens up the sphincter resulting in the contents of the stomach regurgitating all the way from the stomach to the throat which irritates the throat resulting in a Burning Sensation in the Throat. Consuming alcohol in excess also results in increased production of acids in the stomach which when regurgitates through the esophagus into the throat irritates the throat that much more Burning Throat.

How to Get Rid of Burning Sensation in Throat?

Below mentioned are some common and natural ways to get rid of burning throat or burning sensation in throat:

NSAIDs: This is the first step towards treating a burning throat. You can try taking Tylenol or ibuprofen to relax the irritated or inflamed esophagus, throat and stomach and ease the symptoms of acid reflux which paves the way for resolution of the Burning Sensation in the Throat or Throat Burning.

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Over the Counter Antacids: Some of the antacids available over the counter that can help get rid of burning sensation in throat includes Tums, Gelusil, Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids and Pepto-Bismol.

Popsicles- An Effective Natural Remedy to Get Rid of Burning Sensation in Throat: Icy popsicles tend to relieve throat irritation and hence provide relief from the symptoms of Burning Throat. Eating ice cream or other cold foods like a cold curd rice can also help with the symptoms.

Throat Lozenges: These are easily available in the market and are quite useful in treating throat irritation and inflammation relieving the symptoms of Burning Throat.

Maintain Hydration: If you have problems of GERD then it is better to avoid alcohol, but if you do consume alcohol then drink as much water as you can especially after consuming alcohol to stay hydrated and also soothe the throat. Try and avoid smoking so that the throat does not get irritated again due to the smoke.

Apple Cider Vinegar Solution: Drink this solution after adding a tablespoon of honey and warm water and mixing it well, as this solution helps in calming down the irritated throat

Saltwater Gargles: Take a cup of warm water and add about half a spoon of salt in it. Now drink the salt water and gargle. This is a very useful and old trick to calm down the irritated throat. You will have to repeat salt water gargling a couple of times to effectively get rid of burning sensation in throat.

Marshmallow Root Tea: The Marshmallow Root can be purchased at any of the stores which sell herbal medicines. Take a cup and put a table spoon of the root in it and mix it with boiling water. Let the solution settle down for about half an hour and then drink the solution after removing the pulp. It is important to note here that people who are diabetics or hyperglycemics should not use this method as this root can alter the blood sugar levels in the body.

Honey for Burning Sensation in Throat: Taking 1-2 teaspoon of honey can be beneficial in getting rid of burning throat. Viscosity of honey helps in coating the esophagus and aids in reducing the burning effects of the stomach acids.

References:

  1. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Heartburn: Burning Sensation in Chest. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20373223
  2. WebMD. (2021). Heartburn/GERD. https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/what-is-acid-reflux-disease#1
  3. American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Heartburn During Pregnancy. https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/heartburn-during-pregnancy/
  4. American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2020). Alcohol and Cancer Risk. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/prevention-and-healthy-living/alcohol-and-cancer-risk
  5. Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Sore Throat: Gargling with Warm Salt Water. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8613-sore-throat-gargling-with-warm-salt-water

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:September 1, 2023

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