Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms

The usual Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms may be a sign that stomach acids have inflamed your esophagus. If this is the case, stomach acids can harm the esophageal lining and cause bleeding.

Even though acid reflux is very common and rarely serious, you should not ignore its symptoms.

 

Most acid reflux disease symptoms are interrelated. One symptom can trigger another one, which can definitely cause more discomfort.

 

Heartburn is one of the acid reflux disease symptoms that patients complain about. When a person experiences this symptom, he usually suffers from a burning feeling in the chest (specifically the breastbone) that may move up to the throat. He then feels a burning sensation in the throat caused by the refluxing of stomach acid, called regurgitation.

 

Regurgitation is another acid reflux symptom, which is the sensation of acid backing up into the throat or mouth. Those who experience this symptom can have a sour or bitter taste brought about by stomach contents that reflux into the esophagus that may reach the back of the throat. When a person tries to clear the acid that is refluxing, he usually swallows repeatedly, which results in the swallowing of air. The swallowed air produces gaseous distention and another acid reflux symptom of excessive belching.

 

Dyspepsia, sometimes called indigestion, is an acid reflux symptom that is brings discomfort in the upper abdomen. People who experience this symptom always experience fullness in the stomach and usually feel nauseated after eating. They may also experience excessive burping.

 

A chronic cough, just like other acid reflux disease symptoms, causes intense discomfort, which happens when a very small amount of stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus. This results in a spasm of the person’s airways, leading to cough and/or shortness of breath. Heartburn medications can also cause persistent coughing. When certain nerves in the esophagus that are related to the lungs get irritated, it triggers coughing as well. Consequently, acid reflux can cause coughing even without ever passing into the throat.

 

To reduce the acid reflux disease symptoms, patients should have a lifestyle change. Diet plays a tremendously vital role to avoid the symptoms. It is generally wise to stay away from tomato-based foods, citrus fruits, caffeine, mint, chocolate and fatty and spicy foods.

 

During bedtime, lie down with your body’s upper half in an inclined position. This position helps you keep the food in your stomach where it belongs. You may use wedge pillows that are specifically made for people with acid reflux. After your last meal, wait at least three hours before hitting the sack.