Acid reflux is a common condition that manifests once stomach acid and other digestive contents flow back into the esophagus via the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). If this sphincter is weakened or impaired, it will not properly close, thus allowing the stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus, resulting to the symptoms of acid reflux.
A doctor must be consulted for testing if the following are present:
- Regular use of antacids
- Suffering from acid reflux more than 2 times in a week
- Symptoms that drastically affect the quality of life
Frequent episodes of acid reflux might be an indication of gastroesophageal reflux disease which is a long-lasting, severe variety of acid reflux that can progress to serious health complications if not properly treated.
What are the typical indications of acid reflux?
Once the stomach contents flow back recurrently into the esophagus, it can trigger various symptoms. The symptoms vary depending on the affected organs exposed to the stomach acid. Remember that not all suffering from acid reflux have similar symptoms. The symptoms can vary from minor or severe which becomes more common after a heavy meal, when lying down or bending over and after eating a spicy or heavy meal.
Take note that acid reflux can occur at any time of the day. Nevertheless, most usually experience the symptoms during night time. The reason for this is that lying down allows the acid to easily move up into the chest.
Heartburn
This is the most common indication of acid reflux. The stomach is shielded from the corrosive effects of the stomach acid. If the esophageal sphincter could not prevent the stomach acid from seeping out of the stomach and into the esophagus, it results to a sore burning sensation in the chest.
Sour taste
In case the flow of the stomach acid reaches up to the back part of the throat or the mouth, it can cause a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. In addition, there is also a burning sensation in the throat and mouth.
Regurgitation
This is a feeling of food, liquid or even bile moving up to the throat. In some instances, an individual can vomit but it is rare among adults.
Babies and children with gastroesophageal reflux can experience recurrent regurgitation. This can be harmless and natural among infants below 18 months old.
Dyspepsia
This is a burning sensation and discomfort in the upper central part of the stomach which is also called indigestion. The pain is usually intermittent.
Difficulty swallowing
Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing can affect some adults. Various causes aside from GERD include stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and cancer.
Sore throat
Remember that acid reflux can irritate the throat. The usual symptoms include a sore throat, hoarse voice and a sensation of a lump in the throat.