4. Sore Throat: Not Your Average Irritation
A sore throat is everyone’s least favorite guest. It’s that gritty, scratchy feeling that makes even swallowing saliva an Olympic event. While often associated with colds or allergies, a persistent sore throat may be an undercover agent for esophagitis. Don’t be fooled; it’s not as innocent as it seems.
Unlike the typical sore throat, the esophagitis-induced variety has its unique quirks. For one, it doesn’t often come with other cold symptoms. There’s no stuffy nose, no fever—just an annoying, persistent irritation at the back of your throat. It’s the kind of discomfort that makes you wonder if you’ve swallowed a piece of coarse sandpaper.
And here’s a twist for you: this sort of sore throat often worsens as the day progresses. Why? Because your esophagus has been at work all day, dealing with meals, drinks, and snacks. Each swallow aggravates the already inflamed esophagus lining, and by evening, your throat is screaming for relief.
So, what makes this symptom particularly perplexing? The throat itself isn’t the problem; it’s the reflux of stomach acid irritating the lower part of the throat. But unlike traditional acid reflux, you may not experience heartburn. It’s almost as if your body decided to mix things up a bit, throwing you a curveball.
The bottom line is, if your sore throat isn’t budging and lacks other symptoms typically tied to colds or allergies, it’s high time to consider esophagitis as the root issue. By identifying the problem early, you can bypass some pretty uncomfortable future complications, like a narrowed esophagus that makes even liquid difficult to swallow. (4)
