Can acid reflux cause sore throat?

Written by Leslie GreenbergMD
Board-Certified Family Physician
Updated Feb 4, 2026  •  Published Jan 9, 2026
Fact Checked

Yes, acid reflux can cause a sore throat. People with acid reflux (GERD) commonly experience throat irritation, sometimes without other symptoms, because stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus and affect the throat hours later or overnight, leading to soreness upon waking.

Interested in learning more about the causes of a sore throat? Read our guide.


Medical disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your gastroenterologist or other healthcare provider before making changes to your medication regimen.

Written by Leslie GreenbergMD
Board-Certified Family Physician

Leslie Greenberg, MD, is a board-certified practicing family physician with more than 25 years of doctoring experience. She was a psychology major at Northwestern University near Chicago, then graduated with an MD from the University of Nevada School of Medicine. She completed her family medicine residency at St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. She has trained more than 350 family medicine resident-physicians, been in private practice, and delivered babies for 22 years.

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