Acid Reflux Symptoms | GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Symptoms

The pain of acid reflux is the result of the splashing up of fluids from the stomach into the esophagus. These stomach fluids are composed of hydrochloric acid (HCL), pepsin and occasionally bile from the liver. Stomach fluid helps break down the food we eat so that it can be digested. The hydrochloric acid in the stomach fluid helps prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying in the stomach and intestines.

The main symptoms of Acid Reflux are as follows:

A. Heartburn.

Heartburn is the primary symptom of Acid Reflux or GERD. It is a burning sensation that radiates up from the stomach to the chest and throat. Heartburn is most likely to occur in connection with the following activities:

• After a heavy meal.
• Bending over.
  
• Lifting.
• Lying down, particularly on the back.

B. Dyspepsia.

Up to half of GERD patients have dyspepsia, a syndrome consisting of the following:

• Pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen.
• Fullness in the stomach.
• Nausea after eating.

People can have dyspepsia without having GERD.

C. Acid Regurgitation.

Regurgitation is the feeling of acid backing up in the throat. Sometimes acid regurgitates as far as the mouth and be experienced as a "wet burp." Uncommonly, it may come out forcefully as vomit.

D. Pain in The Chest

Patients may have the sensation that food is trapped behind the breastbone. Chest pain is a common symptom of GERD. It is very important to differentiate it from chest pain caused by heart conditions, such as angina and heart attack.

E. Sore Throat.

Less commonly, GERD may produce symptoms that occur in the throat:

• Acid laryngitis. A condition that includes hoarseness, dry cough, the sensation of having a lump in the throat, and the need to repeatedly clear the throat.
• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia). In severe cases, patients may even choke or food may become trapped in the esophagus, causing severe chest pain. This may indicate a temporary spasm that narrows the tube, or it could also be an indication of serious esophageal damage or abnormalities.
• Chronic sore throat.
• Persistent hiccups.
  

F. Coughing and Respiratory Symptoms.

Asthmatic symptoms like coughing and wheezing may occur. In fact, in one study, GERD alone accounted for 41.1% of cases of chronic cough in nonsmoking patients. The incidence was even higher when GERD and asthma were combined.

G. Chronic Nausea and Vomiting.

Nausea that persists for weeks or even months and is not attributable to a common cause of stomach upset may be a symptom of acid reflux. In rare cases, vomiting can occur as often as once a day. All other causes of chronic nausea and vomiting should be ruled out, including ulcers, stomach cancer, obstruction, and pancreas or gallbladder disorders.

Nighttime GERD/acid reflux symptoms can be more severe than daytime symptoms.

When acid reflux occurs at night, you may experience the most common acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation and potentially other nighttime symptoms related to GERD such as:

• nighttime cough
• restlessness
• loss of sleep
• snoring
• breathlessness
• fatigue

For many patients, GERD symptoms that occur at night may be more severe than GERD symptoms that occur during the day. Wait at least 2-3 hours before going to bed after a meal to avoid aggravation of heartburn symptoms.

So know the symptoms of Acid Reflux detect them early and get them looked after.