Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when acid from the stomach or, on occasion, bile flows back into the food pipe, or esophagus. Stomach acid has a higher pH than the esophagus, and irritates the esophageal lining, causing the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Heartburn
This is a common symptom that many people experience, even when they do not suffer from GERD. Heartburn does not affect the heart, but is actually a burning sensation from stomach acid that is experienced from the breastbone up to the lower throat. According to the Mayo Clinic physicians, most people can manage their heartburn with occasional over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes. However, people who have GERD may require prescription medications, or even surgery, to correct the problem. The Mayo Clinic recommends seeking the advice of the physician if over-the-counter medication is required more than twice each week.
Symptoms of Asthma
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, people who suffer from GERD can also experience a dry cough, or asthma symptoms. As the acid from the stomach refluxes up the food pipe, it can reach the windpipe, or trachea. When this happens frequently, the acid causes some damage to the area, and small amounts of acid can trickle down the windpipe and into the lungs. The acid causes significant irritation, swelling and inflammation in the bronchus, or lower windpipe. This inflammation will mimic the symptoms of asthma, causing difficulty breathing, dry cough and reduced air flow.
Hoarse Voice
Sometimes the acid reflux will travel so far up the esophagus that it reaches the voice box. According to Cleveland Clinic, this added stress to the vocal cords and acid damage will cause a hoarse voice, or a change in the quality of the voice. It can also cause a sore throat.
Difficulty Swallowing
Stomach acid can cause difficulty swallowing. According to the Mayo Clinic, trouble swallowing is also called dysphagia. The stomach acid can cause damage to the throat, leaving the individual with the feeling there is a lump in his throat, and making swallowing difficult.
Regurgitation
With enough force, the stomach acid can make it all the way up the esophagus and into the mouth. According to Mayo Clinic, this regurgitation of food or stomach acid will occur with reflux in children or adults. Stomach acid leaves a sour taste in the mouth. While this is technically regurgitation, it does not result in feelings of nausea or classic vomiting.
