Many people experience heartburn once in a while and can relieve the uncomfortable symptoms with antacids or other over-the-counter products that keep heartburn at bay for long periods. But having painful heartburn episodes more than twice a week for weeks or months indicates gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. If left untreated, it eventually can lead to more serious problems, such as inflaming or damaging the esophagus. Some or most of these symptoms may suggest that you have this acid reflux disease.
Step 1
Heartburn or acid indigestion is that burning pain in the lower part of the mid-chest and mid-abdomen, explains the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The sensation often moves up into the throat.
Step 2
Notice if your symptoms are repeated after eating a heavy meal or consuming certain foods. Some of the most common offenders contributing to acid reflux include chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, fried foods, fatty foods, peppermint, spicy foods, tomato-based sauces, salsa, chili and pizza.
Step 3
Belching excessively is a common symptom, especially while eating or drinking products that once caused no problem.
Step 4
Bending over or lifting may lead to heartburn and the burning sensation from the chest to the throat. Lying on your back can result in the sudden onset of heartburn.
Step 5
Take note if you feel severe pain from the symptoms during the nighttime. This is an indication of GERD, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 6
Feeling pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen, fullness in the stomach or nausea after eating may reveal dyspepsia, a syndrome that is felt in up to half of patients with GERD, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 7
Regurgitating the acid up into the throat may produce a sour taste in the mouth. You may also taste the food or fluid you just had during a heartburn episode.
Step 8
Observe if you have fullness in the chest or a feeling that food is trapped behind the breastbone.
Step 9
Having trouble swallowing, a dry cough and asthma-like symptoms may be a sign of GERD. A chronic sore throat or persistent hiccups also happen to people with GERD. There may be hoarseness and a repeated need to clear the throat. Wheezing may be among the symptoms.
Step 10
Vomiting and feeling nauseous for weeks or months happens to people with GERD.
Tips and Warnings
- Obesity, pregnancy and smoking may also be factors that contribute to GERD.
- A hiatal hernia can be the underlying cause of GERD. The upper part of the stomach and lower esophageal sphincter move above the diaphragm, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. A hiatal hernia usually does not produce other symptoms. Check with your doctor to find out if this is a cause.
