Most people experience occasional heartburn, for which there is no cause for alarm. But if heartburn occurs frequently, it may be acid reflux. The pains of acid reflux occur most prominently as a feeling of burning in the chest, and are often worse when lying down, bending over and after eating. Dietary and lifestyle changes are usually all that are needed for most people to experience relief from their heartburn symptoms. If acid reflux interferes with your everyday routine, it may be time to see a doctor.
Burning Pains
The most common symptom of heartburn or acid indigestion is burning pains in your stomach or chest just behind the breast bone. It can be especially painful just after eating, when bending over or when lying down, says the National Digestive Diseases Information clearinghouse (NDDIC).
Indigestion
If you experience bloating, belching, passing gas or food regurgitating into your throat shortly after eating, you most likely have acid reflux, according to the NDDIC.
Sore Throats and Coughing
Coughing with no known cause, especially at night in bed, and sore throats without other symptoms of illness are possible indicators of acid reflux, reports LifeExtension.org.
Sour Taste and Bad Breath
Heartburn can cause a sour taste with accompanying bad breath due to partially digested foods refluxing from the stomach into the esophagus and mouth, reports the Mayo Clinic.
Back Pain
Pain in the center back and between the shoulder blades extending from the stomach or chest may indicate severe acid reflux.
Snoring and Choking
If you snore during sleep and choke when lying down you may have acid reflux, explains LifeExtension.org.
Other Considerations
If symptoms of acid reflux occur more than once a week, and continue even after prolonged use of antacids or home remedies, or if you have difficulty swallowing, see your healthcare practitioner for a more in-depth diagnosis. Symptoms of heart attack can be mistaken for heartburn. If you have chest pain accompanied with difficulty breathing, sweating, pain in the arm or jaw, and anxiety, seek medical help immediately.
