Acid Reflux Symptoms
Acid reflux or GRED (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition that occurs when the tube used to transport the food to the stomach from the throat is too weak and is not able to handle the acid, thereby producing some acid reflux symptoms. The food taken in is digested with the acid it produces and stores. The walls of the stomach should be strong enough for it to be capable of storing the acid without causing any damage. However, when the acid flows from the stomach into the esophagus, GERD occurs with different symptoms. Read on and learn about some of the acid refux symptoms.
Acid Refux Symptoms:
Heartburn – this is the main symptom of Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Heartburn is a burning sensation that runs up to the chest and the throat from the stomach. According to a certain study, almost 3 quarters of patients frequently experiencing acid reflux symptoms experience heartburn at night. This condition most likely occurs in connection with some activities such as:
• After eating a heavy meal;
• Lifting;
• Bending over;
• Lying down on the back
Dyspepsia – almost 50% of GERD patients suffer from dyspepsia, a condition characterized by the following:
• Pain and discomfort particularly in the upper part of the abdomen;
• Nausea after eating;
• Feeling of fullness
However, it is important to remember that it is possible to have dyspepsia without having Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
3. Regurgitation – this is the condition when the acid backs up in the throat. In some cases, the acid regurgitates up to the mouth and comes out as a “wet burp”. In rare cases, the acid may forcefully come out as a vomit.
Less Common Acid Reflux Symptoms:
Many patients with GERD do not experience the main acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. The symptoms may instead appear or experienced in other locations. Here are some of the less common acid reflux symptoms:
1. Chest Pain or Sensations – this is the sensation or feeling that the food is trapped and can’t move from behind the breastbone. While this signals acid reflux, it is important to know that it is different from chest pain due to some heart conditions, like heart attack and angina.
2. Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in the Throat such as:
• Acid laryngitis – this condition is characterized by dry cough, hoarseness, feeling of lump in the throat, and the need to clear the throat repeatedly
• Dysphagia (trouble swallowing) – in some cases, GERD may cause the patient to choke or have difficulty in swallowing the food, thereby causing severe chest pain.
• Persistent hiccups
• Chronic sore throat
Respiratory Symptoms and Coughing – Wheezing and coughing may also occur. In one medical study, Gastroesophageal reflux disease alone accounted for around 40% of chronic cough cases in non-smoking patients.
Vomiting and Chronic Nausea – nausea that lasts for a long time may also be one of the acid reflux symptoms. In some cases, vomiting may occur once a day. However, all other possible causes of vomiting and chronic nausea should be ruled out with proper diagnosis, including stomach cancer, ulcers, gallbladder or pancreatic disorders.
