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Common Symptoms of GERD Heartburn

Anyone can suffer a little heartburn sometimes. Greasy, spicy or acidic foods can cause heartburn as well as a recent bout of the flu. But when you begin suffering most days no matter what you eat and your heartburn is so bad you have a hard time swallowing, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.

  1. Identification

    • Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. Also known as acid indigestion, GERD develops when stomach acids back up into the esophagus because the ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the stomach and the esophagus doesn't close correctly or opens when it shouldn't. Heartburn is the burning sensation in the center of your chest that results. Sometimes this burning sensation spreads to your throat or neck, or radiates across your chest. Pain can become so severe you think you're having a heart attack.

    Time Frame

    • About three quarters of the people with GERD have symptoms at night. Those with heartburn at night usually have more severe symptoms than those who suffer at other times. Sometimes the pain feels like angina or congestive heart failure. Propping up the head of your bed with blocks of wood 4 to 8 inches thick can help. Using a wedge under your upper body can ease symptoms, but propping up only your head with pillows can make symptoms worse. Sleeping on your left side rather than your right side can also lessen symptoms.

    Features

    • Other symptoms can occur along with heartburn. Another common symptom of GERD is regurgitation--when gastric juices back up into your throat or mouth. Occasionally acid backs up so forcefully, the GERD sufferer vomits. Half of the people with GERD have dyspepsia, a syndrome that includes fullness in the stomach, nausea, pain and discomfort in the abdomen.

    Types

    • Other types of GERD symptoms include trouble swallowing, asthma symptoms, hiccups, sore throat, hoarseness, wheezing, a dry cough and chest pain. Trouble swallowing includes pain when you swallow and can indicate that your esophagus has been damaged by stomach acid. Most of these symptoms occur in addition to the heartburn, although some GERD sufferers experience the symptoms without having heartburn.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Most people suffer from GERD heartburn symptoms when lifting, bending over, lying on their back or eating a spicy or heavy meal. Many people use over-the-counter antacids like Tums, Rolaids or Maalox. Lifestyle changes are necessary for GERD sufferers. You need to avoid foods that trigger symptoms. These include alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, carbonated drinks, peppermint, spicy food and tomatoes or other acidic food. Stop smoking, lose weight, eat several small meals a day, wear loose clothing and don't lie down for three hours after eating. If this doesn't work, your doctor might suggest prescription medicine that helps muscles empty your stomach or that stops acid production. You should be referred to a gastroenterologist that treats stomach and intestinal problems if your symptoms last two weeks. Procedures such as stretching your esophagus or surgery might be necessary.

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