Q13. What is acid reflux?

A13. Acid reflux or ‘gastro-oesophageal reflux’ to be more exact is a condition in which the contents of the stomach flow back up into the throat due to a defect at the bottom of the oesophagus.

At the bottom of the oesophagus is a ring of muscle called the ‘lower oesophageal sphincter’. This acts as a type of valve and is meant to stop stomach acid from flowing back up and into the mouth.

But this can go wrong which means that it fails to prevent this from happening. This results in heartburn, a sore throat and in a few cases, a difficulty in breathing.

Find out more about acid reflux in our throat related problems section.

FAQS Index : Sore throat FAQ

Sore throat FAQs

1. What does the throat consist of?
2. What does the throat do?
3. What is the larynx?
4. What are the tonsils?
5. How do the vocal cords work?
6. What enables us to speak?
7. Why do we get a sore throat?
8. Can you treat a sore throat with antibiotics?
9. Why does my child get lots of sore throats?
10. What is diphtheria?
11. What is croup?
12. What is quinsy?
13. What is acid reflux?
14. What is strep throat?
15. What is the difference between a viral throat infection and a bacterial throat infection?

16. Why do children have frequent episodes of tonsillitis?
17. What are adenoids?
18. Do you need to have your tonsils removed?
19. What are the different types of throat cancer?
20. What causes throat cancer?
21. How is throat cancer treated?
22. Can oral sex damage the throat?
23. What effect does your lifestyle have on your throat?
24. Why are singers prone to throat problems?
25. Why does being overweight affect your throat?
26. Can you treat a sore throat at home?
27. My child has a sore throat; do I need to see my GP?
28. What causes someone to lose their voice?
29. Can you prevent a sore throat?
30. Why is it important to look after your throat?