Health & Care Information Learn all about Sign and Symptoms of Acid Reflux!
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is also termed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Characterized by the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus which is tubular structure that connects the throat and stomach.During an episode of acid reflux, some of the food particles regurgitate towards mouth and you may taste sour liquid or feel a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn).More than 60 million Americans experience acid reflux at least once a month.
Here are some common sign and symptoms of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Heartburn
It is also called as acid indigestion.Heartburn feels due to movement of food particles from stomach to middle of your abdomen and chest.Although, it is termed as heart burn but it does not mean that it affects your heart.
Chest pain
Chest pain feels during acid reflux due to movement of food particles or sour liquid from stomach to middle of your abdomen and chest.Pain associated with acid reflux can be severe in some cases.This pain can be efficiently treated with antacids.
Bitter Taste
The backward flow of stomach acid can causes bitter taste your of your mouth.It can also cause burning sensation in your throat and mouth.
Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia is common symptom of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).It is associated with heartburn, an uncomfortable fullness, nausea, an upset stomach, and vomit or burp a lot.These symptoms should be treated properly because if these symptoms remains for a longer duration of time, they can cause ulcer.
Regurgitation
Some people experience regurgitation,due to backward flow of stomach acid alongwith food particles into your throat. people having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may vomit if regurgitation occurs repeatedly.
Pain worsens at rest
Intensity of pain can be severe during rest due to rapid backward flow of stomach acid to middle of your abdomen and chest.The intensity of pain can be reduced by changing posture of body from rest position to sitting position.
Dry cough
It is less common symptom of acid reflux disease .Some people may have dry cough due to regurgitation of stomach acid.This regurgitation or backward flow of causes irritaion in esophageal linning that produces dry cough.
Sore throat
Sore throat is another classical symptom of acid reflux disease due to regurgitation of sour liquid of stomach towards throat.
Extra salivation
During an episode of acid reflux, there is increase production of saliva due to hyperactivity of glands releasing saliva.
Difficulty in Swallowing(Dysphagia)
Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes difficulty in swallowing in some individuals.But dysphagia is not always associated with acid reflux disease, it may be due to weak facial muscles, Parkinson’s disease or cancer.
