Can a sore throat caused by stomach acid heal on its own?

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. Whether a pharyngeal burn caused by stomach acid can heal spontaneously mainly depends on the severity of the burn and whether timely treatment is received. If the burn is mild and properly managed, it usually can heal on its own. However, if the burn is severe or not treated promptly, spontaneous healing may not occur. A detailed explanation is as follows:

If the burn is relatively mild and the patient can avoid triggers of acid reflux, there is a possibility of gradual self-healing, because the mucous membranes in the body have a certain capacity for self-repair. It is important to develop healthy eating habits in daily life and avoid consuming spicy, acidic, or other foods and beverages that easily irritate the throat, to prevent worsening of symptoms.

If the burn is severe and caused by pathological factors such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer, or gastritis, the likelihood of spontaneous healing is lower. This is because severe burns have already damaged the normal structure of the pharyngeal mucosa, impairing its ability to repair itself. In such cases, medications such as rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, omeprazole enteric-coated tablets, or domperidone tablets may be used under a doctor's guidance to reduce the irritation of stomach acid on the throat.

During the recovery period, it is important to maintain a bland diet, drink plenty of water, and avoid excessive voice use, which can help the throat recover.