Symptoms of Acid Reflux, Ulcers & Gastroparesis

The symptoms of gastroparesis, acid reflux and ulcers are often similar in nature and sometimes go hand in hand. Heart burn, or acid reflux can be caused by many factors but is also a symptom of gastroparesis and stomach ulcers.

Acid Reflux

• Acid reflux occurs when the stomach overproduces acid to the point where it backs up into the esophagus. This condition can be caused by a variety of issues, including problems with the esophageal sphincter (the valve the allows food to enter the stomach from the esophagus), poor diet and slow stomach emptying.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

• Common symptoms of acid reflux are pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen, feeling full or stomach distention, and feeling nauseous especially after eating. Acid reflux can also cause chest pain, most often confused as a heart attack, as well as throat irritation, coughing, and chronic nausea and vomiting.

Gastroparesis

• Gastroparesis occurs when the stomach is unable to move food through the stomach and into the digestive tract. The result is a back up of food in the stomach which can cause an increase in stomach acid production.

Gastroparesis Symptoms

• Symptoms of gastroparesis have been reported as heartburn, pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting of undigested food (typically after a meal), feeling unusually full, weight loss, bloating of abdomen, changes in blood glucose levels and decreased appetite.

Ulcer

• According to the Mayo Clinic, ulcers are open sores on the inside of the stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus. They can be caused by poor diet, stress, bacteria and excessive use of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.

Ulcer Symptoms

• The most common symptom of an ulcer is a burning pain anywhere between the breastbone to the navel and can last from several minutes to several hours. Often times, the pain is worse at night and when the stomach is empty. An ulcer can also cause nausea and loss of appetite.