Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease--GERD--occurs when stomach contents flow back from the stomach into the esophagus or gullet. The human stomach produces hydrochloric acid every day. The lower esophagus sphincter, a ringlike flap of tissue, protects the esophagus from these stomach acids. Symptoms and damage to the esophagus occur when the lower esophagus sphincter malfunctions, allowing the backward flow of stomach acid and other food contents from the stomach into the esophagus. Longstanding GERD can lead to damage of the esophagus and cause serious complications like esophageal ulcers, strictures and a precancerous disorder called Barrett’s esophagus.
Burning in the Chest
The major symptom of GERD is a painful burning sensation or tightness in the esophagus, just below or behind the breastbone or sternum. The most common causes of GERD are turning in bed just after eating a heavy meal, lying down on the back, bending and lifting. People with indigestion heartburn can salivate excessively or regurgitate food or bitter-tasting fluid into the mouth. Severe heartburn symptoms do not necessarily mean esophagitis--inflammation of esophagus. Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition in the esophagus, may trigger few symptoms, especially in the elderly, according to the Medical Center of University of Maryland. People can suffer severe heartburn without the presence of damage to the esophagus. GERD and symptoms of heartburn are experienced at least once a month by more than 60 million Americans, reports the American College of Gastroenterology.
Dyspepsia
About half of patients with acid reflux have dyspepsia or stomach upset. The first sign is usually a pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, which is often recurrent. Other symptoms include bloated stomach, a feeling of fullness in the stomach and nausea after eating.
Chronic Nausea and Vomiting
If nausea persists continually for weeks or even months and the cause is not attributable to general stomach problems such as ulcers, obstruction or pancreas or gallbladder disorders, then it could be a symptom of acid reflux disease. In some cases, patients vomit at least once in a day.
