Heartburn symptoms from acid reflux disease can cause serious health disorders. Many people deal with heartburn occasionally following a heavy meal, especially when lying down or bending over. When the problem occurs frequently it may indicate, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, a condition in which a valve muscle in the esophagus becomes weakened and does not always close tightly after eating. This results in stomach acid backing up into the esophagus and throat, causing heartburn. Medication and dietary changes help relieve the symptoms.
Chest Pains
Heartburn symptoms strike some patients so severely that the effects mimic signs of a heart attack, according to AHealthyMe, the website for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Burning pain from heartburn usually runs from the stomach to behind the breastbone. The symptoms can also include burning throat sensations. Spasms of the esophagus may result in pressure chest pain that resemble heart disease, but heart attacks have a longer heavy feeling or squeezing pain in the chest. Heart attacks differ from heartburn because they may also include nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath or weakness, and the pain spreads to the shoulders, arm and jaw during a heart attack. Heartburn may cause chest pains following a meal, and heart attacks can occur at any time, or during physical activity.
Throat Disorders
Chronic acid reflux can cause acid laryngitis that results in dry cough, hoarseness, repeated clearing of the throat and sensations of a lump in the throat. Difficulty swallowing can occur with persistent bouts of heartburn. Some patients risk choking on food that becomes trapped in the esophagus, causing chest pains. This may occur from temporary muscles spasms that narrow the esophagus, or because of esophageal damage. Frequent bouts of heartburn over time can damage the esophagus. A condition called Barrett's esophagus destroys cells and may lead to cancer of the esophagus. Difficulty swallowing or pain and discomfort in the esophageal area may indicate serious esophageal damage.
Voice Effects
Persistent heartburn from acid reflux disease may lead to chronic coughing, excessive mucus or phlegm, sore throat, choking spells and wheezing. This often affects people who use their voices professionally, including singers or speakers, who feel a sensation like the vocal folds in their voice boxes or larynges have been coated, the University of Michigan Health System explains. Ulcers in the back of the throat, vocal fold scarring or even pneumonia may result.
Stomach Problems
Heartburn symptoms that cause persistent pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen, feelings of stomach fullness or nausea after eating may indicate dyspepsia, an acid indigestion disorder. Many people with GERD also have dyspepsia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Serious acid reflux conditions can cause chronic nausea and vomiting.
