PostsAcid reflux symptoms characterize the condition called acid reflux or GERD, which occurs because of the weakening of the tube that transports the food taken in to the stomach, making it unable to handle the acid. The acid the stomach produces and stores is used to digest the food consumed. The stomach walls should have enough strength to store the acid it produces without damaging anything in the system. However, different symptoms may be experienced when the acid is pushed up the esophagus from the stomach. If you want to know more about acid reflux symptoms, read on.
Acid Refux Symptoms:
1. Heartburn – one of the main acid reflux symptoms, this burning sensation radiating from the stomach to the chest and throat is said to be experienced more often at night. This is supported by a certain medical study which also states that some activities may lead to the occurrence of heartburn, including the following:
· After eating a heavy meal;
· Lifting;
· Bending over;
· Lying down on the back
2. Dyspepsia – dyspepsia is said to be experienced by 50% of the patients diagnosed with acid reflux. Dyspepsia is related to the following:
· Pain and discomfort particularly in the upper part of the abdomen;
· Nausea after eating;
· Feeling of fullness
It should be noted that dyspepsia may also be experienced by those not diagnosed with GERD.
3. Regurgitation - this is the condition when the acid backs up in the throat. In some cases, the acid regurgitates up to the mouth and comes out as a “wet burp”. In rare cases, the acid may forcefully come out as a vomit.
Less Common Acid Reflux Symptoms:
Many patients with acid reflux do not experience the main acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. The symptoms may instead appear or experienced in other locations. Here are some of the less common acid reflux symptoms:
1. Chest Pain or Sensations - this is the sensation or feeling that the food is trapped and can’t move from behind the breastbone. While this signals acid reflux, it is important to know that it is different from chest pain due to some heart conditions, like heart attack and angina.
2. Acid Reflux Symptoms in the Throat such as:
· Acid laryngitis - this condition is characterized by dry cough, hoarseness, feeling of lump in the throat, and the need to clear the throat repeatedly
· Dysphagia (trouble swallowing) - in some cases, acid reflux may cause the patient to choke or have difficulty in swallowing the food, thereby causing severe chest pain.
· Persistent hiccups
· Chronic sore throat
3. Respiratory Symptoms and Coughing - Wheezing and coughing may also occur. In one medical study, acid reflux alone accounted for around 40% of chronic cough cases in non-smoking patients.
4. Vomiting and Chronic Nausea - nausea that lasts for a long time may also be one of the acid reflux symptoms. In some cases, vomiting may occur once a day. However, all other possible causes of vomiting and chronic nausea should be ruled out with proper diagnosis, including stomach cancer, ulcers, gallbladder or pancreatic disorders.
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