What are the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?
October 5, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid and sometimes stomach contents backflow into the esophagus, causing symptoms and potential complications. Here are the common symptoms associated with GERD:
- Heartburn: A burning sensation or discomfort in the chest, often behind the breastbone, that may worsen after eating or lying down.
- Regurgitation: The sensation of acid or sour-tasting fluid rising from the stomach into the back of the throat or mouth.
- Acid Indigestion: Discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by a sour or acidic taste.
- Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Feeling of a lump in the throat or difficulty swallowing food, liquids, or pills.
- Chronic Cough: A persistent, dry cough, often worse at night or upon waking in the morning, that can be triggered by irritation from stomach acid.
- Sore Throat or Hoarseness: Persistent or recurring sore throat, hoarseness, or irritation of the vocal cords caused by acid reflux reaching the throat.
- Chest Pain: Chest pain or discomfort that can mimic heart-related pain, often due to acid irritating the esophagus.
- Asthma or Wheezing: Aggravation of asthma symptoms or frequent episodes of wheezing, especially during the night or after meals.
- Excessive Salivation: Increased saliva production or drooling, which can be a response to acid irritation in the esophagus.
- Feeling of a Lump in the Throat (Globus Sensation): The sensation of a lump or something stuck in the throat, often due to acid irritation.
- Nausea or Vomiting: Occasional nausea or vomiting, especially if severe acid reflux triggers a gag reflex.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis): Persistent foul breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth due to regurgitated stomach contents.
- Disrupted Sleep: Difficulty falling or staying asleep due to discomfort or coughing at night caused by acid reflux.
- Excessive Belching or Burping: Frequent belching or burping, often after meals or due to swallowed air during acid reflux episodes.
- Bitter Taste in the Mouth: Unpleasant or bitter taste in the mouth, often associated with regurgitation of stomach acid.
These symptoms can vary in severity and frequency among individuals. If you experience persistent or recurrent symptoms suggestive of GERD, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation, diagnosis, and appropriate management. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, medications to reduce stomach acid, or, in severe cases, surgical interventions. Unmanaged GERD can lead to complications such as esophageal ulcers, strictures, or Barrett’s esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition.