The Surprising Link Between Acid Reflux and Tonsillitis

Should you be seeing an acid reflux specialist Los Angeles for your sore throat? Possibly. Sore throats have many possible causes, including viruses, infections and allergies. But did you know that your stomach acid can also cause a sore throat? You may be surprised that your search for a solution to your sore throat may be found at an acid reflux doctor Los Angeles.

Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils as a result of germs that cause them to swell and become inflamed. Sometimes, you may have a sore throat without any other symptoms of illness. Some throat symptoms can be the result of acid reflux. Seeing an acid reflux specialist Los Angeles can help.

Acid reflux is also called gastroesophageal reflux or GERD. Symptoms include heartburn, a sore throat, a feeling of a lump in the throat, stomach contents backing up into the throat, difficulty swallowing and a bad taste in the mouth. Acid from the stomach irritates the surface of the throat and tonsils, causing a sore throat. Acid from the stomach can also irritate the esophagus. a gastroesophageal reflux doctor Los Angeles specializes in how acid reflux affects your throat.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a form of reflux that can also be difficult to determine without a

laryngopharyngeal reflux doctor Los Angeles. When acid reflux affects the larynx, you may experience mild symptoms like post-nasal drip, coughing, a hoarse voice and you may feel you need to clear your throat often. These symptoms are easily mistaken for allergies. A laryngopharyngeal reflux doctor Los Angeles can help you discover if acid reflux is affecting your larynx.

If these symptoms sound familiar, making an appointment with a gastroesophageal reflux doctor Los Angeles is a good idea. In the meantime, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to alleviate some of your symptoms now. Eating smaller meals, eating slowly, avoiding spicy food, avoiding caffeine and carbonated drinks and sleeping with your head elevated can help relieve symptoms at home. Losing excess weight can also help symptoms of acid reflux.

Over the counter medications are also available to treat heartburn. Antacids, H2 Blockers and proton-pump inhibitors are available to treat short or longer-term GERD symptoms. These should be used for up to two weeks. If your GERD symptoms occur longer than two weeks, you should see a doctor.

With over 60 million Americans suffering from acid reflux, GERD is a common disorder for Americans. It is important to determine the cause of your sore throat or hoarse voice. Untreated GERD has potential long term consequences. Uncontrolled acid reflux can cause narrowing of the esophagus, changes to the lining of the esophagus and potential cancer. If you think your sore throat may be related to acid reflux, make an appointment to see an acid reflux doctor Los Angeles. Our ENT doctor Los Angeles is ready to help you.