|  | Conditions Treatments | Heartburn GERD

Oesophageal Reflux Symptoms

Esophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a defined as chronic or severe heartburn. Esophageal reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach are pushed back into the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Normally there is a muscular sphincter that keeps the food from coming up. In individuals with esophageal reflux disease, this sphincter fails to work. There are several symptoms of GERD.

  1. Burning and Bitter Taste

    • One of the hallmark symptoms of esophageal reflux disease is a burning sensation in the throat or chest. This is caused by the acidic contents of the stomach being pushed into the esophagus. Many times the acid from the stomach can reflux up into the esophagus and travel all the way to the mouth. When this occurs, an unpleasant bitter taste can enter the mouth.

    Persistent Coughing

    • Oftentimes people with esophageal reflux disease will have a dry, unproductive cough. This is attributable to irritation in the back of the throat and upper part of the esophagus caused by the reflux. This can also lead to the feeling of having a lump in the throat or the sensation of it being difficult to swallow.

    Nighttime Symptoms

    • Symptoms of esophageal reflux disease often worsen at nighttime when you are lying down. When the body is in the upright position (sitting or standing), the sphincter works most effectively to keep the contents of the stomach within the stomach. When lying down, the contents push upon the sphincter, causing it to leak into the esophagus. Some people find that their symptoms are relieved when the head is elevated during sleep.

    Dietary Considerations

    • The symptoms of esophageal reflux disease will often worsen after eating or drinking certain things. Foods that are spicy or high in acid content (like tomatoes or citrus fruits) will often make reflux worse. Carbonated beverages can fill the stomach with air and push the contents against the stomach's sphincter and cause reflux. Caffeine and alcohol both serve to relax the sphincter and make it less effective at keeping the acidic stomach contents within the stomach.

    Treatment of Symptoms

    • Symptoms of esophageal reflux disease can be lessened by changing the diet. Avoiding the foods mentioned above, eating smaller meals and avoiding eating before bedtime will help reduce reflux. Medications that reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach are available both over the counter and by prescription. Antacids are also helpful in neutralizing the acid in the stomach and can help alleviate the symptoms of esophageal reflux disease.

Heartburn GERD - Related Articles