I am 35. Can GERD or acid reflux cause constant sore throat?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

While it is true to say that the most common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are heartburn and regurgitation. Other symptoms of GERD include indigestion, difficulty swallowing, belching, chest pain, cough, and hoarseness. However, most patients have mild disease; esophageal mucosal damage (reflux esophagitis) develops in up to one-third, and more serious complications occur in a few others.

Several factors contribute to GERD.

• The reflux barrier at the gastroesophageal junction depends on LES (lower esophageal sphincter) pressure, resulting in a flap valve.

• Hiatal hernias are found in one-fourth of patients with non-erosive esophagitis.

• Central obesity may contribute to GERD, presumably due to an increase in abdominal pressure.

• Esophageal mucosal damage is related to the potency of the refluxate and the amount of time it is in contact with.

• Delayed gastric clearance due to gastroparesis or partial gastric outlet obstruction.

While your extraesophageal symptoms are caused by these processes, imaging and monitoring could help monitor and document the extent and type of tissue damage.

Upper endoscopy is excellent for documenting the type and extent of tissue damage in GERD and other gastroesophageal lesions that mimic GERD and for detecting GERD complications, including stricture and esophageal metaplasia (cellular alteration in the esophagus).

pH monitoring measures the amount of acid and non-acid reflux; this test may be useful in your case. They are the most accurate studies for documenting gastroesophageal reflux disease.

In the meantime, maintain a healthy lifestyle, maintain a healthy body weight, and avoid exacerbating factors like caffeine, smoking, and any triggering foods.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.