For someone who experiences gurgling in throat can be quite frightening for him. However in majority of cases there is nothing to worry about. People often feel a gurgle in stomach and they do not give much attention to it. A gurgle is bubbling sound which is similar to that of water flowing through a bottle.
Gurgling is in fact a symptom which may be produced due to several reasons. Together with rumbling noise there may be several other associated symptoms such as burning in throat, nausea etc. These symptoms along with gurgling help us to differentiate several causes. Once you know the underlying cause it becomes easy to stop annoying gurgling sound in the throat.
What Causes Gurgling Sound In Throat?
Gurgling in throat is not uncommon and many people may have experienced it sometimes in their life. There are several causes which may be responsible for gurgling. If you have cough with expectoration you may sometimes experience this peculiar gurgling in throat.
In this condition some amount of gastric content is pushed up into the lower part of esophagus. Esophagus is food pipe through which food enters into the stomach. At the lower end of esophagus there is a sphincter which prevents entry of food once it goes into the stomach. When the sphincter becomes incompetent, ingested gastric content may reverse back in esophagus. It may further come up till throat and mouth. During this period a person may experience gurgling sound in throat. It is particularly experienced when the person is in supine position or bending over.
Sometimes croaking and gurgling sound from throat can be a warning sign of something stuck in the throat. There may be history of swallowing some type of foreign body. In children this cause should always be kept in mind. With repressed emotions a person may experience gurgling in throat. However, this cause is concluded only after all other causes are excluded.
How To Stop Gurgling Noise In Throat?
In most cases, gurgling in throat remains for a short period. However, many people may feel embarrassed and annoyed by this unusual experience. When it is a constant issue care is needed to control it. Since there are variable reasons for producing gurgling, it is necessary to know the underlying cause. For example if the cause is detected as collection of sputum in throat due to cough, patient should try to expel it with the help of medicines. Even steam inhalation may be worth trying to loosen the sputum.
For acid reflux there are other associated symptoms such as burning in throat and chest related to posture and meal. After proper evaluation, patient should alter his life style and food habits. Avoidance of spicy food, aerated drinks, alcohol, cigarette smoking all help in reducing acid reflux. Certain postures are also important to avoid acid reflux such as avoiding bending. Patient should try to lie down in the left lateral or supine position with his head 6 inches high above the horizontal position.
If there is a history of impacted foreign body, patient needs emergency measures which can be provided in a hospital.