Welcome to Sydney Gut Clinic

Opening Hours : Monday to Friday - 8am to 5pm
  Contact : 02 9131 2111

Burning in the back of the throat: Why is it happening and what are the causes?

What are the gastrointestinal causes of burning in the back of the throat?

This page discusses the gastrointestinal causes of burning in the back of the throat, the risks, the process of diagnosis, and the need for a consultation.

What are the gastrointestinal causes of burning in the back of the throat?



This page discusses the gastrointestinal causes of burning in the back of the throat, the risks, the process of diagnosis, and the need for a consultation.



Understanding throat infections

Irritation in the throat is a symptom that many people have encountered in their lives. It may be mild, causing only discomfort or a scratchy sensation. However, some individuals could experience it more severely as intense burning or pain-like sensations. 

Such irritation usually brings about additional indications like coughing, hoarseness (uneven voice), trouble when swallowing, and feeling like there’s something stuck in your throat. Throat irritation can have various reasons behind it. Factors from the environment, such as dry air, smoke, or air that is polluted can also make your throat feel uncomfortable. Moreover, some kinds of food or drinks with acid or spice can cause irritation to the throat.

Knowing the usual signs and possible reasons for throat irritation may assist you in deciding what actions to take to ease discomfort. This page will delve into these causes, offering suggestions on how to deal with throat irritation and when to consult a doctor.

Understanding throat infections

Irritation in the throat is a symptom that many people have encountered in their lives. It may be mild, causing only discomfort or a scratchy sensation. However, some individuals could experience it more severely as intense burning or pain-like sensations. 

Such irritation usually brings about additional indications like coughing, hoarseness (uneven voice), trouble when swallowing, and feeling like there’s something stuck in your throat. Throat irritation can have various reasons behind it. Factors from the environment, such as dry air, smoke, or air that is polluted can also make your throat feel uncomfortable. Moreover, some kinds of food or drinks with acid or spice can cause irritation to the throat.

Knowing the usual signs and possible reasons for throat irritation may assist you in deciding what actions to take to ease discomfort. This page will delve into these causes, offering suggestions on how to deal with throat irritation and when to consult a doctor.

What are the gastrointestinal causes of burning in the back of the throat?

Feeling a burning sensation in the back of your throat could be a symptom related to different problems in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Acid reflux (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a frequent reason for the burning feeling in the back of the throat and happens when acid or bile from the stomach comes up into the food pipe and causes irritation, resulting in heartburn along with symptoms like spit-back, scratchy throat or long-lasting cough.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)

This is also known as silent reflux and is when the stomach’s contents flow back into the larynx and pharynx. LPR may not show symptoms of heartburn but can cause throat irritation, voice roughness, the sensation that there is a lump in your throat, difficulty in swallowing, and constant coughing.

Hiatal hernia

This is a gastrointestinal condition that happens when a part of the stomach is pushed up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, which can create or worsen acid reflux, causing the feeling of burning in the back of the throat, early satiety, blood in stools, abdominal and chest pain, and trouble swallowing.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)

EoE is an extended immune system condition that happens when eosinophils—a type of white blood cell—accumulate in the oesophagus, creates inflammation and irritation and pain in the throat, troubles when trying to swallow food or drink liquids smoothly, and sometimes causes a feeling of burning.

What are the gastrointestinal risks of burning in the back of the throat?

Oesophagitis

The oesophageal lining can become inflamed and harmed by stomach acid, which may result in a condition known as oesophagitis. This might cause pain along with ulcers or bleeding inside the oesophagus; it could also progress to more serious problems.

Barrett’s oesophagus

If acid reflux continues for a long time, it may cause alterations in the cells that form the lower part of this tube and it is seen as a type of precancerous state. The chance of developing oesophageal cancer goes up when someone has Barrett’s disease.

Aspiration and respiratory problems

The backflow of stomach contents into the respiratory system, also known as aspiration, can arise due to gastrointestinal acid reflux, possibly resulting in respiratory issues like an ongoing cough, pneumonia, and other lung infections.

Dental erosion

If burning in the throat continues, it can lead to trouble swallowing, a long-term cough, or changes in voice and when stomach acid comes up into the mouth, it can gradually wear away tooth enamel, which causes dental erosion, cavities, and tooth decay.

Consult a gastrointestinal specialist today

It’s important to see a gastrointestinal specialist if you feel a burning sensation in the throat. Sydney Gut Clinic has very experienced gastrointestinal specialists who can offer you complete support and treatment for digestive problems.

If you are experiencing a continuous burning feeling in the throat or other signs connected to indigestion, don’t postpone—make an appointment at our trusted clinic now. Our professionals have the experience needed to assist you in comprehending and dealing with these issues’ root causes, ensuring that your digestive health takes precedence.

Consult a gastrointestinal specialist today

It’s important to see a gastrointestinal specialist if you feel a burning sensation in the throat. Sydney Gut Clinic has very experienced gastrointestinal specialists who can offer you complete support and treatment for digestive problems.

If you are experiencing a continuous burning feeling in the throat or other signs connected to indigestion, don’t postpone—make an appointment at our trusted clinic now. Our professionals have the experience needed to assist you in comprehending and dealing with these issues’ root causes, ensuring that your digestive health takes precedence.

FAQs

Why is the back of my throat burning?

When someone feels a burning feeling at the back part of their throat, it is commonly caused by acid reflux. This happens when stomach acid or bile moves backward into the oesophagus and causes irritation. A person might also have this sensation because of infections, allergies, particles in their surroundings that are irritating them (like smoke or dust), and certain food types and drinks.

What does acid reflux feel like in the throat?

When acid reflux occurs in the throat, it can cause a feeling of burning or sourness. Heartburn might also happen along with this sensation along with a bitter or sour taste in the mouth, which results in stomach contents returning into your mouth, a rough voice, and a never-ending cough.

Why do I wake up with a burning sensation in my throat?

If you wake up with a feeling like something is burning in your throat, it might mean you have acid reflux or GERD. When you sleep, sometimes the acid from your stomach can move back into the oesophagus. This is more likely to happen if you lay flat when sleeping or eating close to bedtime. It may also be caused by dry air in your bedroom, snoring, or problems with breathing while asleep.



If you’re experiencing haemorrhoid symptoms, speak with our team of medical professionals today.

    Fields marked with an * are required





    Type of procedure*

    If you have a prescription, please upload

    If you selected "procedure" above, please specify which one

    Please choose the doctor you would like to consult*