Acid Reflux Stomach Pain

Acid Reflux Stomach Pain is also called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or simply GERD, which happens when the person’s lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not properly close and the stomach contents reflux or leak back into the esophagus. The LES is a ring of muscle found at the bottom of the esophagus that serves as a valve between the stomach and esophagus.

 

Heartburn is the most common symptom of this condition. When the refluxed acid touches the lining of the esophagus, patients suffer a burning sensation in the chest or throat. This is called heartburn, which is very common and does not automatically mean the person already has acid reflux stomach pain. However, if this occurs more than twice in a week, it is better to go to the doctor.

 

Half of patients who have acid reflux stomach pain have dyspepsia, where they experience a discomfort in their upper abdomen. They always experience fullness in the stomach and usually feel nauseated after eating.

 

Another symptom of GERD is regurgitation or the feeling of acid backing up in the throat. There are times when the regurgitation reaches the mouth and can be experienced as a “wet burp.” In some cases, it forcefully comes out as vomit.

 

Many patients with acid reflux stomach pain do not experience the aforementioned symptoms. The signs may appear in other locations instead. Some experience chest pains or sensations that food is trapped behind their breastbone. It is a common symptom of GERD but it is important to distinguish it from chest pain brought about by heart conditions, such as heart attack and angina.

 

In less common instances, acid reflux may produce symptoms that transpire as a throat acid laryngitis or a disorder that includes dry cough, hoarseness, the feeling of a lump in the throat, and the need to constantly clear the throat. In other cases, patients can even choke because food is trapped in the esophagus, causing severe chest pain. This may be an indication of a temporary spasm that narrows the tube, or it could also be a sign of serious esophageal damage or abnormality. Other symptoms in the throat are persistent hiccups and chronic sore throat.

 

If you have been suffering acid reflux stomach pain for a while, it is probably time you paid your doctor a visit. Consider seeing a gastroenterologist, a specialist for intestine- and stomach-related diseases, or an internist who specializes in internal medicine. Depending on the severity of the patient’s GERD, the treatment may entail lifestyle changes and various medications or surgery.