Acid Reflux Symptoms

Do you have any of these acid reflux symptoms?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, GERD, or commonly known as acid reflux disease is an injury to the esophagus that develops from chronic exposure of the esophagus to acid coming up from the stomach. This condition is known as reflux which is an actual boiling of the hydrochloric acid in the stomach used by the body for the digestion of foods. Simply stated, the hydrochloric acid literally boils over in the stomach and enters the esophagus.

Heartburn on the other hand is an acid reflux symptom in the esophagus that causes a burning discomfort behind the breastbone or sternum as it literally burns the mucosal lining of the esophagus.

Findings in GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease patients include esophagitis (reflux esophagitis) - which is inflammatory changes in the esophageal mucous lining of the esophagus. Many patients will have difficulty swallowing and chronic chest pain as an acid reflux symptom of GERD. Other symptoms of GERD can include cough, hoarseness, changes of the voice, and sinusitis. Complications of GERD or acid reflux disease can include stricture formation, Barrett's esophagus, esophageal ulcers and possibly even lead to esophageal cancer from the constant burning of the lining of the esophagus.

Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean a person has GERD. Patients that have heartburn symptoms more than once a week are at risk of developing GERD. A hiatal hernia is usually asymptomatic, but the presence of a hiatal hernia is a risk factor for development of the disease.

Acid Reflux Symptoms in Adults and Children

The most prominent acid reflux disease symptom is heartburn or the sensation of burning pain in the chest coming upward towards the mouth caused by the reflux or boiling over of the acidic contents from the stomach to the esophagus.

Patients with GERD also tend to get the feeling of a sour or salty taste at the back of their throats due to regurgitation. This can sometimes happen even if the pain of heartburn is absent as the acid boils over from the stomach.

Less common symptoms can include:

Chest pain without any of the above

Difficulty swallowing

Bad breath

Regurgitation or a vomit-like taste in the mouth

Repeated throat clearing
 
Water brash which is the sensation of a large amount of non-acid liquid due to sudden hypersecretion of saliva

Complications of Acid Reflux Disease

Strictures or scarring of esophagus, especially in young children. Barrett's esophagus (sometimes referred to as Barrett's Disease) and Esophageal cancer from the constant burning of the lining of the esophagus.

Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms in Children

Acid reflux disease is commonly overlooked in infants and children. It can cause repeated vomiting, coughing, and other respiratory problems. Treatment is generally the same although at lower doses.

Cause of Acid Reflux Disease

Modern Acid Reflux Medication

Acid Reflux Diet to Aid The Natural Cure

The Natural Cure for Acid Reflux

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