Why do acid reflux symptoms occur?
Acid reflux symptoms include many different symptoms.
The symptoms come from the backflow of gastric acid into the gullet. This occurs either when the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes or when the stomach contains too much food. If you see it that way reflux is a very good reaction as it shows that something isn’t ok. Reflux mainly appears after large and fatty meals, bending over, lifting and lying on the back. Most of the acid reflux sufferers notice acid reflux in the nighttime. Patients that suffer from nighttime acid reflux normally show stronger and severe symptoms.
What are the acid reflux symptoms?
Common symptoms of acid reflux:
-Heartburn – The most common and also the best known symptom is the heartburn, a burning pain felt in the chest (behind the breastbone). In many cases the pain radiates into the neck too. Even though named heartburn it has nothing to do with the heart. It’s estimated that about 42% of the American population show this symptom of acid reflux. The heartburn is caused by the acid that flows back and irritates the gullet.
Regurgitation – Another common symptom is regurgitation. You will notice this symptom often after eating large and fatty meals. Regurgitation is defined as the expulsion of material from the mouth or esophagus. Actually it’s almost like vomiting except that other mechanisms are responsible for an action like this. The result of regurgitation is a bitter taste in your mouth better known as “wet burp”.
Dyspepsia – Dyspepsia consists of upper abdominal pain, fullness and often nausea (especially after meals)
Less common symptoms of acid reflux:
Many people suffering from acid reflux don’t experience heartburn or other common symptoms but have elsewhere located symptoms.
Chest Sensations – Acid reflux sufferers may experience a sensation that feels like there’s some food stuck behind the breastbone. Importance lies in differentiating this symptom from chest pain resulting from heart pain.
Throat symptoms – It’s less commonly that these symptoms occur
- Constant sore throat
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia).
- Acid laryngitis – A condition that includes hoarseness, dry cough, the sensation of having a lump in the throat, and the need to repeatedly clear the throat.
Coughing Symptoms. Studies showed that in 41% of all acid reflux cases chronic cough was a symptom with an even higher percentage if the patient also has asthma.
Chronic Nausea. If you experience a nauseatic feeling for a long time not caused by normal stomach upset this could be a symptom of GERD. If you experience this symptom alone it’s not necessarily a sign for acid reflux. It could be ulcers, pancreas, stomach, cancer or disorders in the gallbladder.
When should you go to your primary health care taker?
See your doctor if you notice any worsening in symptoms or if they become mere frequent.
Immediately see your doctor when you notice chest pain, especially in cases where arm pain and breath shortness come along as these could be a sign of a heart attack.
Take your acid reflux symptoms seriously!
Dr. Dwight McCoy