What causes a burning throat
Find out why this may be a sign of an underlying gastrointestinal condition.
What causes a burning throat
Find out why this may be a sign of an underlying gastrointestinal condition
A burning throat could happen due to several reasons, like an infection in the oesophagus or postnasal drip.
Usually, this sensation in the throat is not a major cause for concern but if it’s persistent and the pain becomes worse over time, you may need to pay a visit to a gastrointestinal specialist.
While the sensation isn’t a medical condition on its own, it may be a symptom of an underlying gastrointestinal condition.
What are the common causes?
GORD
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease happens when the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle fails to close properly. This allows digestive acids from the stomach to move up into the oesophagus causing a burning throat.
It’s estimated that GORD affects about 15% of the Australian population, with individuals over 40 years of age being more likely to be diagnosed with it.
Common symptoms include:
- Regurgitation
- Since the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) does not function properly, it can lead to food in the stomach moving into the oesophagus and causing patients to vomit
- Dysphagia
- When stomach contents move into the oesophagus, it makes swallowing food and drinks more difficult.
Barrett’s oesophagus
This condition usually occurs as a result of GORD. Over time, the acid reflux damages the linings of the oesophagus, causing it to change.
Patients with Barrett’s oesophagus may experience a burning pain in their throat every time they eat or when acid reflux occurs.
Barrett’s oesophagus
This condition usually occurs as a result of GORD. Over time, the acid reflux damages the linings of the oesophagus, causing it to change.
Patients with Barrett’s oesophagus may experience a burning pain in their throat every time they eat or when acid reflux occurs.
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease causes parts of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the intestines, to become inflamed. In rare cases, it can affect the oesophagus as well.
It’s estimated that over 80,000 Australians are affected by Crohn’s disease.
This condition is not curable and its cause is not known. It can, however, be treated to keep symptoms under control.
Insights on common GI diseases
Are burning sensations in the throat a cause for concern?
A burning feeling in the throat may be a cause for concern depending on the condition causing it.
GORD is not usually life-threatening but it can lead to the oesophagus being damaged over time, leading to Barrett’s oesophagus.
People with Barrett’s oesophagus have a chance of developing oesophageal cancer. Though the risk of cancer is very small, if you have this condition, you may need to get a precautionary cancer screening.
Visit the Sydney Gut Clinic
At the Sydney Gut Clinic, our highly qualified gastroenterologists specialise in diagnosing and treating a multitude of conditions at our state-of-the-art facility.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like a burning in the throat, get in touch with our specialists today for the support you need.
You can find our clinic at the Alexandria Specialist Day Hospital.
Our specialists
Dr Suhirdan Vivekanandarajah
Dr. Suhirdan leads the team at Sydney Gut Clinic, bringing a combination of experience, excellence, and dedication. He is a highly trained Interventional Gastroenterologist,
Dr Andrew Kim
Dr Andrew Kim is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, he undertook his physician and advanced gastroenterology training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and completed a fellowship in (IBD) at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney.
Dr Rohan Gett
Having graduated with honours from the University of New South Wales, he also lays claim to an internship and residency at the reputed Concord Hospital. Trained, thereafter, in general surgery at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Dr Gett ...
Dr Fei Wen Chen
Dr Chen is a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist with special interest in managing patients with chronic liver disease of various aetiology, as well as general gastroenterology and endoscopy.
Sviatlana Starr
Sviatlana Starr is an expert in gut-directed hypnotherapy. She has been professionally helping people with different functional gut disorders through gut-directed hypnotherapy sessions since 2015.
Dr Allison Wong
Allison’s special interests include perioperative medicine, simulation and teaching, and regional anaesthesia.
Dr Arjuna ‘Arj’ Nagendra
Dr Nagendra is currently a consultant at Prince of Wales Hospital where he is involved with teaching anaesthetic trainees, particularly in his areas of clinical interest - airway surgery and neurovascular procedures.
Dr Katherine Lee
Dr Katherine Lee clinical interests include anaesthesia for neurosurgery, orthopaedic and trauma, endoscopy, plastic and reconstructive, bariatric and obstetric and gynaecological surgery.
Dr Ngaroma (Roma) Steele
Dr Ngaroma (Roma) Steele interests include Regional Anaesthesia, Vascular Surgery and Trauma.
Antoinette Le Busque
As the Nurse Practitioner Sydney Gut Clinic, Antoinette works collaboratively as part of the interdisciplinary team.
Dr. Mudar Zand Irani
Dr. Mudar Zand Irani is a Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with special interest and expertise in gastrointestinal motility disorders, advanced endoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound.
Dr Nicholas Kortt
Dr Nicholas Kortt is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with extensive experience in general gastroenterology, hepatology, and advanced endoscopy.
Dr Beatrice Brennan
Dr Beatrice Brennan is a female gastroenterologist and hepatologist who divides her time between working as a consultant gastroenterologist and in public health.
Jodie Hicks
Jodie is a consultant dietitian with specialised expertise in gut health, gastrointestinal conditions, and bariatric and metabolic surgery.
Dr Mark Ghali
Dr Mark Ghali is a gastroenterologist and hepatologist providing comprehensive care for all general gastrointestinal and liver conditions.
FAQ
How can GORD be treated?
Antacids can be used to neutralise stomach acid and lessen the pain caused by reflux. Other treatments include following special diets to keep GORD flares at a minimum.
Can Barrett’s oesophagus be reversed?
Unfortunately, Barrett’s oesophagus cannot be reversed by any kind of medication. By treating the underlying cause of Barrett’s oesophagus, the progress of the condition may be slowed down.
How can Crohn’s disease be tested?
There are several ways to test for Crohn’s:
- Blood tests
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Tissue biopsy
What does heartburn typically feel like in the throat?
Heartburn feels like a burning sensation in the part of the oesophagus close to the heart.
How do you soothe a burning throat from acid reflux?
- Add some salt to warm water and gargle with it.
- Drink warm liquids, like tea with honey.
- Use pain relievers, like acetaminophen.
How do I stop my throat from burning from stomach acid?
- Don’t lie down immediately after a meal
- Maintain an upright posture while you eat
- Avoid overeating
Consult a gastrointestinal specialist today for diagnosis and treatment
Sydney Gut Clinic services are only available to patients in Australia.