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Signs and Symptoms of Acid Reflux

The most common symptom of acid reflux is a burning sensation in the lower chest area. This sensation can sometimes be described as pain in the chest and can be worsened by bending over or laying down after eating. GERD patients will also often describe regurgitation as a common symptom, a sensation that occurs from acid backing up into the esophagus.

Other less common symptoms that a person may experience include an acidic or sour taste in the mouth, sore throat, nausea, and painful swallowing.

 

Acid Reflux Symptoms

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Common Acid Reflux Symptoms

The three most common signs of acid reflux are heartburn, dyspepsia, and regurgitation.

1. Heartburn

Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux and is identified by a burning sensation in the lower chest area. This symptom was given the name heartburn because most individuals will describe this symptom as a burning sensation close to their heart. In reality, this sensation stems from the lower esophagus which is located in the lower chest area and can also occur at higher points of the esophagus toward the throat.

2. Dyspepsia

People with acid reflux, especially the chronic variant GERD, often suffer from dyspepsia simultaneously. Dyspepsia, or indigestion, is the sensation of stomach discomfort characterized by stomach bloating, burping, stomach fullness, and nausea. This most often occurs immediately after consuming food.

3. Regurgitation

Regurgitation is the sensation you get when the acid backs up all the way into the mouth or the throat. When this symptom occurs, people experience a bitter taste and a so-called ‘wet burp’. In some cases, you can even vomit.

Other common symptoms of acid reflux include:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Feeling like food has been stuck to your throat
  • Chest pains
  • Wheezing
  • Excessive saliva

Acid Reflux and Palpitations

Heart palpitations, or the feeling of your heart skipping a beat, is often associated with GERD. Although some people can experience these symptoms simultaneously, they are not likely linked.

Several factors can trigger both symptoms of GERD and heart palpitations such as caffeine or alcohol intake, pregnancy, and smoking, but GERD is unlikely to cause palpitations directly. Feeling anxious or worried about symptoms of GERD can also trigger heart palpitations.

Speak with your doctor if you are unsure about your symptoms. If you experience severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

When do the Symptoms Occur?

The most common trigger of acid reflux is consuming a large meal with spicy or high-fat foods. These symptoms can be worsened by laying down immediately after a meal or doing physical work such as lifting heavy objects immediately after a meal.

Symptoms of acid reflux are also common for women during pregnancy due to the increased pressure from the fetus on the stomach. In the majority of cases of acid reflux during pregnancy, the symptoms will stop after the baby has been born.

What are Common Food Triggers of Acid Reflux?

There are certain foods that can trigger symptoms of acid reflux, such as:

  • chocolate
  • spicy foods
  • high-fat foods
  • citrus fruits
  • caffeinated drinks
  • alcohol
  • fried foods
  • garlic
  • onions
  • tomatoes
  • peppermint

Acid Reflux Complications

In most cases, acid reflux can be well managed and will not result in complications. In some cases where acid reflux is chronic and more severe, complications may occur as a result of damage to the esophagus and surrounding tissues.

Esophagitis: Esophagitis is characterized by inflammation of the esophagus and occurs when the lining of the esophagus becomes irritated and inflamed from exposure to stomach acid.

Esophageal Ulcer: stomach acid can wear away at the esophagus, eventually leading to an ulcer. An Esophageal ulcer can bleed and make swallowing painful.

Esophageal Stricture: a stricture can be caused by a buildup of scar tissue as a result of chronic acid reflux. This causes a narrowing of the esophagus and can make swallowing difficult.

Barrett’s Esophagus: Barrett’s Esophagus is a mutation of the cells of the esophagus that can occur as a result of severe acid reflux. In this condition, the tissue that lines the esophagus is replaced by tissue that resembles intestine lining. This condition is uncommon but can occur in people with GERD. Barrett’s Esophagus is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer and requires regular monitoring.

Respiratory problems: respiratory problems may occur as a result of stomach acid from the esophagus entering the lungs. This can cause symptoms including difficulty breathing, asthma, coughing or wheezing, or infection.

When to Ask for Medical Help?

When medications cannot provide you with relief from the symptoms, you should consult your doctor. Additionally, if you experience any severe or alarming symptoms of acid reflux, you should speak with your doctor immediately. Such symptoms include:

  • blood in vomit
  • unexpected and unexplained weight loss
  • difficulty swallowing
  • pain while swallowing
  • black or maroon-colored stool
  • wheezing and dry cough
  • chronic sore throat
  • hoarseness in the morning
  • long-lasting hiccups
  • recurrent nausea
  • chest pain
  • a fullness that lasts for more than a few minutes
  • chest pressure that goes away and comes back
  • dizziness
  • sweating and chest pain combined
  • shortness of breath
  • discomfort in the shoulder, jaw or upper back
  • pain in the neck, shoulder or jaw

Acid Reflux Symptoms in Children

Acid reflux is most often considered an adult condition, but children can experience it too. In babies and infants, acid reflux can cause fussiness or vomiting after feeding. In these cases, it can be difficult to determine whether their symptoms are an indication of GERD or something else. Common symptoms of acid reflux in babies include:

  • Frequent regurgitation of breast milk or formula
  • Refusing food
  • Wet burps
  • Fussiness or irritability after feeding
  • Gagging or coughing
  • Failure to thrive

In many cases, simple changes can be made to help manage acid reflux in babies and infants. Feeding the baby in an upright position and ensuring that the infant is sitting upwards for 30 minutes after meals can help reduce the chances of reflux. Some doctors also suggest a thickening formula with rice cereal to reduce reflux. Be sure to speak with your pediatrician if you are concerned about symptoms of reflux.

In older children and teens, acid reflux symptoms can be similar to that of an adult, including heartburn and indigestion. In many cases, diet and lifestyle changes can be made to help manage acid reflux in children. Limiting spicy foods, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits or beverages can help reduce reflux. Offering healthy snacks between meals to reduce portions at mealtime can also help reduce the chances of reflux. If your child experiences nighttime reflux, ensure that your last meal of the day is 3 hours before bedtime to allow food to digest before the child lays down.

 

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