|  | Conditions Treatments | Digestive Health

Acid Reflux Syndrome Symptoms

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when the liquid in the stomach "backs up" and sends it back into the esophagus. Since the liquid in the stomach is highly acidic, it is both unhealthy and uncomfortable for those who suffer from the condition.

  1. Heartburn

    • Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux. It is a sensation that feels like burning coming up from the stomach that travels through the chest and up to the throat. For an acid reflux sufferer, heartburn commonly occurs after a heavy meal, when bending over, lifting and when lying down flat. The reason it is called "heart" burn is because many sufferers think it feels like the pain is burning in the heart.

    Dyspepsia

    • About half of acid reflux sufferers also must deal with a condition called dyspepsia. Dyspepsia symptoms include a feeling of fullness in the stomach, discomfort or pain in the abdomen and nausea. People who don't experience acid reflux can also suffer from dyspepsia.

    Regurgitation

    • When acid regurgitates as far as to the back of the throat, the acid reflux sufferer can experience something that feels like a combination of vomit and a burp.

    Throat Symptoms

    • Less commonly, throat symptoms may arise in a case of acid reflux. These symptoms include: sore and hoarse throat, the feeling of a lump in the back of the throat, dry cough, wheezing, persistent hiccups and trouble swallowing. In severe cases, a sufferer may actually choke on food or get food painfully trapped in her esophagus.

    Chest Pain

    • Someone suffering from acid reflux may feel like she has a "tight" chest, as though somehow food is lodged behind her breastbone.

    Tips

    • Some precautions may help alleviate some symptoms of acid reflux. These include: avoiding foods like chocolates, food or drinks with caffeine, fatty foods, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, peppermint and citrus foods; eating smaller meals; losing weight if you are overweight; not smoking; engaging in relaxing activities like yoga to avoid stress; elevating your head at least 6 inches while sleeping; chewing sugarless gum between meals and avoiding clothes that are tight and restrictive to the chest and abdomen.

    Warnings

    • Some chest pain is not associated with acid reflux and is the cause of an underlying heart condition. Pay a visit to your primary care physician so that you may more accurately determine the cause of your symptoms. In the extreme case of a deeply damaged esophagus, an ulcer may form and have to be treated with medication. If it is severe enough and it begins to bleed into the esophagus, surgery may be necessary.

Digestive Health - Related Articles