Recognizing the Symptoms and Warning Signs of GERD

Gastroesohageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a medical condition wherein the stomach acid comes in contact with the esophagus producing a number of symptoms. It is commonly referred to as acid reflux disease and symptoms can be painful, frightening and even life-disrupting. When not treated properly, it can lead to serious complications such as esophagitis, esophageal strictures and cancer of the esophagus.

The most common symptoms of acid reflux disease are:

1. Heartburn

Heartburn also referred to as pyrosis is the most common symptom of GERD and is experienced by a large number of people. It can be described as burning pain or dull ache felt behind the breastbone or sternum and often extends up to the chest and occasionally goes as far as the throat area. The discomfort can be intense at times that it is often mistaken as a heart attack and sometimes its mild that its barely noticeable.

Heartburn usually occurs after a heavy meal especially if its consumed at night and consist of fatty foods, alcohol, chocolate, soda, coffee or citrus fruits. Aside from food, it can also occur after a vigorous exercise, wearing tight clothing, smoking, bending over and lying down after eating any kind of food.

2. Acid Regurgitation

Acid regurgitation is another symptom of GERD which is a sensation that occurs when acid travels all the way up from the stomach passing both the lower and upper esophageal sphincters into the stomach causing a sour taste. Most people would swallow repeatedly in an effort to reduce the unpleasant taste. However, this leads to air being swallowed along with the saliva which can produce gaseous distention of the stomach. This leads to another symptoms of acid reflux disease which is excessive belching.

3. Water Brash

Water brash typically results from the production of too much saliva caused by chronic exposure of the esophagus to acid. When acid if refluxed into the esophagus, the salivary glands has the tendency to produce huge volumes of alkaline (bicarbonate-rich) foamy or frothy secretions in an attempt to neutralize the stomach acid. This leads to water brash that causes the sour and slightly salty taste in the mouth. This symptom can last for just a few seconds following a burp or a cough. It can last for hours for some people who have multiple factors that contribute to acid reflux such as smoking and alcohol consumption.

4. Laryngeal and Voice Disorders

Acid reflux has also been shown to affect the largyngeal system. The occurrence of acid regurgitation can lead to hoarseness of voice or largyngitis that can result in raspy voice that may not subside. Other symptoms can include sore throat, sinusitis, bad breath, post natal drip, vocal cord polyps and chronic ear pain. Studies have shown that direct acid damage is the cause of the presence of these symptoms.

5. Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disorder that inflames and narrows the airways making breathing difficult. It is manifested by signs such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and coughing. It is link to GERD because acid in the esophagus can produce asthma or make it worse.
Other symptoms of acid reflux disese include upset stomach, night sweats, choking or coughing, excess salivation and nausea. They appear equally the same for both men and women as well as infants and children. And because GERD is a disease of the upper intestinal tract, the symptoms occur primarily in the upper chest, throat and mouth area.

With the many over the counter medications, healthy alternatives and natural cures for acid reflux, it might be confusing what to do. It is always best to consult the advice of your physician to avoid further complications of GERD.