There are multiple health conditions that can cause a burning throat. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the more common causes as well as your treatment options.
Acid Reflux
Pretty much everyone has experienced acid reflux from time to time. However, some people experience chronic reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a common condition with an estimated prevalence of 18.1%–27.8% in the United States.
When you have GERD, stomach acid regularly flows back into the esophagus leading to symptoms like heartburn. However, sometimes reflux travels all the way up to the throat and voice box. When this happens, it’s referred to as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Interestingly, many people with LPR don’t experience heartburn and instead have symptoms like:
- Throat burning
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness
- Trouble swallowing
- Feeling like something is in the throat
If you have regular acid reflux, you should see your doctor to discuss how to improve your symptoms. They will likely recommend lifestyle changes, like picking out reflux-friendly fruits and vegetables when shopping at Fort Wayne Farmer’s Market. They may also recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Viral and Bacterial Infections
Certain viral and bacterial infections can cause your throat to feel like it’s burning due to the infection causing inflammation in the back of your throat.
If you have a virus that’s causing throat pain, you can usually treat it with rest, throat lozenges and over-the-counter medications. However, strep throat is bacterial and requires a visit to the doctor to be treated with antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading.
Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip, also sometimes referred to as upper airway cough syndrome, occurs when mucus and fluid from the sinuses and nose drain into the back of your throat. As the name suggests, people who have it can usually feel something dripping in their throat. This drainage can be irritating and cause a burning sensation.
Postnasal drip has a number of potential causes. Some of which include:
- Sinus infections
- Viruses like the common cold
- Allergies
- A deviated septum
- Overuse of certain decongestants
Treatment for postnasal drip is dependent on the cause. So, for example, if allergies are causing your symptoms, taking an antihistamine should cause your postnasal drip and any throat-burning sensations that accompany it to resolve.
To figure out what’s causing your symptoms, call the experts at Ear, Nose & Throat Associates to schedule an appointment today.