3) Sore throat
We typically link a sore throat with pharyngitis and infections of the respiratory system. However, it may also be a symptom of acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease. In both cases, the mucosa of the esophagus and the throat undergoes continuous injury because they are not prepared to withstand the acidity of the gastric juices and their lining is not anatomically made for this. Thus, the mucosa undergoes serious inflammation, and the patient reports a sore throat, usually led to believe they have a respiratory infection.
A sore throat in gastroesophageal reflux disease is often accompanied by hoarseness and coughing. The tone of the voice changes because the structure of the throat and its internal linings become thicker as a defense mechanism to withstand the acidity of the gastric juices. This, in turn, affects the vocal cords and changes the patient’s tone of voice.
