From the Guidelines
The sensation of something stuck in your throat after experiencing GERD is likely due to inflammation and irritation of your esophageal tissue caused by stomach acid exposure, and this condition can persist for days after a reflux episode because the damaged tissue takes time to heal. According to the most recent study 1, this condition is related to extraesophageal reflux (EER), a subset of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) that leads to troublesome symptoms/conditions that are not normally attributed to the esophagus. The study highlights that EER symptoms can be heterogeneous and often overlap with other conditions, making diagnosis challenging. Some possible extraesophageal manifestations of GERD include cough, laryngeal hoarseness, dysphonia, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, dental erosions/caries, sinus disease, ear disease, post-nasal drip, and throat clearing, as outlined in Table 1 of the study 1.
To manage the sensation of something stuck in the throat, over-the-counter antacids like Tums or Rolaids can provide immediate relief, while H2 blockers (famotidine/Pepcid, 20mg twice daily) or proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole/Prilosec, 20mg daily before breakfast) may be needed for persistent symptoms, as suggested by the American Gastroenterological Association medical position statement on the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease 1. Lifestyle modifications are equally important:
- elevate the head of your bed 6-8 inches
- avoid eating within 3 hours of bedtime
- limit trigger foods (spicy, acidic, fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine)
- stay hydrated with water. Throat lozenges or warm tea with honey can soothe irritated tissues. If the sensation persists beyond 2 weeks, worsens, or is accompanied by difficulty swallowing, persistent heartburn, weight loss, or chest pain, consult a healthcare provider as these could indicate complications requiring medical evaluation, such as esophageal adenocarcinoma or other alternative diagnoses that may masquerade as GERD, as discussed in the study 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- GERD can cause a variety of symptoms, including heartburn, acid regurgitation, and dysphagia 2, 3
- Some patients may experience atypical symptoms, such as a globus sensation (a lump in the throat), hoarseness, and chronic cough 4
- In some cases, GERD can present with intractable nausea as the primary symptom 5
Mechanisms of GERD Symptoms
- GERD is caused by prolonged esophageal mucosal exposure to acid gastric refluxate due to failure of the normal antireflux mechanisms of the lower esophageal sphincter 2
- The sensation of something being stuck in the throat may be related to the inflammation and irritation of the esophageal mucosa, as well as the stimulation of the nerves in the throat 4
Treatment of GERD Symptoms
- Treatment of GERD typically involves the use of histamine H2 receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors to reduce acid production in the stomach 2, 3
- Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods and elevating the head of the bed, can also help to alleviate symptoms 4
- In some cases, patients may require more potent acid suppression or other treatments, such as promotility drugs or surgery, to manage their symptoms 6, 5