Why does your throat gurgle when swallowing? (+3 reasons)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss gurgling in your throat when swallowing food, drink, or medication. We will also discuss some factors which may cause throat gurgles while swallowing and their management techniques.
Why does your throat gurgle when swallowing?
Your throat gurgles when swallowing food because your stomach is trying to remove excess air. You may draw excess air while drinking carbonated drinks, eating too fast, drinking through a straw, chewing gum, or talking while eating.
You may make gurgling noises while swallowing food if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), dyspepsia (indigestion), postnasal drip or anxiety. Throat gurgling is quite common and you may experience it during or after swallowing food.
However, if you are making persistent gurgling noises while swallowing, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor will look into your medical history to identify the possible root cause of frequent gurgling, especially when swallowing food.
What factors make your throat gurgle when swallowing?
There are various factors which may cause gurgling in the throat while swallowing food. Occasional gurgling is harmless, however, if you experience repetitive and frequent gurgling in the throat when swallowing, consult your gastroenterologist.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD may weaken the stomach sphincter and cause acid to gurgle up and burn the lower end of the oesophagus. Gurgles in the throat usually happen due to the regurgitation of food. The constant gurgling of stomach acid develops into a heartburn (1).
Indigestion
Indigestion may cause pain and a burning feeling in the upper part of the abdomen. Loud stomach gurgling and burping may occur due to indigestion. Indigestion is often caused by GERD, stomach ulcers, infection, pancreatitis, or improper eating habits (2).
Postnasal drip
Excess mucus formation and postnasal drip may cause throat gurgles, especially when swallowing. Postnasal drip increases the frequency of swallowing the mucus to clear the throat, intensifying the gurgling sounds and voice hoarseness (3).
Dysphagia
Dysphagia is difficulty in swallowing which is often characterized by gurgling noises during or after eating the food. It may also cause coughing, choking, chest discomfort, and hiccups after swallowing food (4).
Anxiety aerophagia
Due to anxiety, the patients feel excessive pressure on the throat that seems to radiate from the stomach, chest, or abdomen. Anxiety may also cause stomach churning and indigestion. Stomach churning is an uncomfortable sensation that causes throat gurgles when swallowing food.
Is it normal that your throat gurgles when swallowing?
It is normal to have gurgling noises in the throat when swallowing food. They are often temporary and happen due to the drinks and food you are eating. However, you should consult your gastroenterologist if you also experience the following symptoms:
- Pain in the stomach,
- Nausea,
- Excessive bloating,
- Heartburn,
- Diarrhea or constipation, and
- Abdominal swelling and distention.
How to manage and prevent throat gurgles when swallowing?
Doctors often prescribe medicines to prevent throat gurgles when swallowing food by treating the underlying disease. It is also important to adopt lifestyle modifications and eating norms to reduce the occurrence of gurgles.
Medication
Antacids are often prescribed to reduce acid reflux and throat gurgles. Examples include Gaviscon (aluminium hydroxide and magnesium carbonate), Pepcid (famotidine), Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) and TUMS (calcium carbonate).
In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe two antacids together for the relief of symptoms, including Pepto-Bismol and Tums. They are both available over-the-counter (OTC) and can be safely taken together without causing any adverse effect.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, and lansoprazole work by blocking and reducing the formation of stomach acid. PPIs also help reduce heartburn, gurgles, and burning sensation in the mouth.
Antihistamines (such as levocetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine) and decongestants (such as pseudoephedrine) help relieve the symptoms of postnasal drip and throat gurgles. You may also take mucus-thinning agents (such as guaifenesin)
Lifestyle modifications
Try eating in portions and never rush while eating your food. Avoid eating spicy, and acidic food as it may increase the incidence of acid reflux. Do not lie down immediately after eating food.
Limit your consumption of carbonated drinks and alcohol. Caffeine is also known to relax the stomach sphincter, increasing the incidence of acid reflux and gurgling. Try to sleep on your left side to avoid putting pressure on your stomach and other organs.
I often get throat gurgles and burps while drinking a carbonated drink. It is quite normal and easily manageable. Quit smoking if you are a habitual smoker. You should strictly follow the dosage regimen prescribed by your doctor for throat gurgles to get relief from these symptoms.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Malfa GA, Di Giacomo C, Cardia L, Sorbara EE, Mannucci C, Calapai G. A standardized extract of Opuntia ficus‐indica (L.) Mill and Olea europaea L. improves gastrointestinal discomfort: A double‐blinded randomized‐controlled study. Phytotherapy Research. 2021 Jul;35(7):3756-68. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ptr.7074
2.-
Drinnan M, Powell J, Nikkar‐Esfahani A, Heading RC, Doyle J, Griffin SM, Leslie P, Bradley PT, James P, Wilson JA. Gastroesophageal and extraesophageal reflux symptoms: similarities and differences. The Laryngoscope. 2015 Feb;125(2):424-30. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lary.24950
3.-
Bernstein AL, Cassidy J, Duchynski R, Eisenberg SS. Atypical headache after prolonged treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. 2005 May;45(5):609-11. https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2005.05117_3.x
4.-
Wieseke A, Bantz D, Siktberg L, Dillard N. Assessment and early diagnosis of dysphagia. Geriatric Nursing. 2008 Nov 1;29(6):376-83. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197457207003990
5.-
Lacy BE, Crowell MD, DiBaise JK. Functional and motility disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. New York: Springer; 2015. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4939-1498-2
