Burning throat can be caused by various diseases and conditions, including bacterial and viral infections, acid reflux, physical injury, and heartburn triggered by certain foods. Over-the-counter medications can provide relief, but persistent heartburn may indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Infections usually cause a general sore throat, while a burning sensation is more commonly caused by stomach problems.
There are many different diseases and conditions that can cause a burning throat. Some are caused by infection, while others are caused by acid inside the body. A variety of bacterial and viral infections, usually recognizable by other symptoms, such as congestion and headaches, can cause throat irritation and burning. Acid reflux, which occurs when part of the stomach contents, such as stomach acid and other solids or liquids, back up into the esophagus, can also cause a burning throat. A burning sensation could also be caused by physical injury to the throat, such as could happen if you swallowed something sharp or extremely hot.
Heartburn is one of the most common causes of burning in the throat. Heartburn occurs when stomach contents leak into the esophagus, causing burning sensations and discomfort in the chest and throat. There are many different foods that can trigger these symptoms, such as alcohol, peppermint, citrus fruits or juices, and tomatoes. Heartburn can usually be treated through the use of over-the-counter medications, such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, and promoting agents. Antacids are generally basic substances that quickly neutralize the acid that causes your throat to burn, while the others are slow-acting drugs that can cause general relief over time.
While antacids are very effective at relieving the discomfort associated with this burning sensation, they can actually mask a more significant problem. While simple overeating or an excess of a certain type of food can cause occasional heartburn, persistent heartburn can be caused by a more significant underlying condition. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as acid reflux disease, can cause persistent heartburn and burning throat. It is more serious than occasional heartburn, however, because in addition to unpleasant symptoms such as a burning sensation, it can also lead to physical damage to the esophagus. Frequent exposure to stomach acid can severely damage the esophagus.
Bacterial and viral infections can cause different types of sore throats, including burning in the throat. However, such infections usually cause a more general sore throat; a real burning sensation is rare. If the burning sensation is accompanied by a cough, congestion, headache, or other flu-like symptoms, it’s likely that an infection of some form is causing throat irritation. It is much more common to experience a sharp pain or itching or irritation when an infection is the cause of the sore throat. A real burning sensation is much more commonly caused by stomach problems.
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