The flow of food from the esophagus--the long narrow tube that connects the throat and stomach--into the stomach is regulated by a muscular valve located at the base of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter. If this valve becomes abnormally irritated, it can open, unexpectedly causing stomach acid to flow backwards into the throat. This back-flow of stomach acid is a condition called acid reflux and can cause a number of common symptoms to arise in affected patients.
Heartburn
Each day, more than 10 million people suffer from heartburn symptoms within the United States, reports Up To Date, a peer-reviewed medical website for patients. Heartburn occurs when acid flows up into the esophagus causing sensations or burning or pain within the chest. These painful sensations can develop at the top of the stomach and may extend into the throat or mouth. The severity of heartburn symptoms can increase after eating, lying down or bending over. Heartburn symptoms that occur more than twice a week can be indicative of severe acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Patients who experience chest pain should seek immediate medical care as this symptom of acid reflux can also be indicative of a heart attack.
Unpleasant Taste
Stomach acid that reaches the throat can cause an acidic, bitter or unpleasant taste sensation to arise within the mouth, explain health officials with the National Alliance for Hispanic Health in Washington, DC. This common symptom of acid reflux can also lead to stomach discomfort or a decreased appetite in certain patients.
Sore Throat or Cough
The lining of the throat can become irritated by stomach acid that enters the throat during episodes of acid reflux. As a result, certain patients can experience a burning or sore sensation within the throat as a common symptom of acid reflux. Sore throat pain can make it difficult for acid reflux patients to swallow, warn health officials at the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse, a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Throat irritation caused by acid reflux can also contribute to symptoms of persistent coughing or chest pain.
Voice Changes
Patients who experience frequent acid reflux can develop voice changes as a common symptom of this condition. Throat irritation caused by stomach acid can irritate the voice box causing a patient's voice to sound unusually raspy or hoarse, explains the National Alliance for Hispanic Health. Voice changes can persist for several weeks and may reoccur during subsequent episodes of acid reflux.
