Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is the backflow of stomach contents into the lower end of the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Normally, the stomach contents are prevented from getting into the esophagus by a ring of muscular tissue called the lower esophageal sphincter, which is situated at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach. If the lower esophageal sphincter opens when it should not, stomach contents may get pushed up into the esophagus. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health states gastroesophageal reflux that occurs three or more times per week on a regular basis constitutes a medical condition called GERD--gastroesophageal reflux disease. The symptoms of GER and GERD are the same; the difference is how frequently they occur.
Heartburn
The primary symptom of GER is heartburn, also called indigestion. This is a burning pain behind the breastbone, which is where the esophagus is. Stomach acid in the esophagus causes the pain. Heartburn usually occurs after eating. Foods that may bring on heartburn include fatty and fried foods, spicy foods, tomato-based foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, garlic, onions, mint, carbonated beverages, and beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
Acid Taste in the Mouth
Stomach acid that has refluxed into the esophagus can cause a bitter or sour taste in the back of the mouth. This often happens when the reflux is accompanied by burping.
Burning in the Throat
GER can cause a burning feeling in the throat if the stomach acid refluxes far enough back up the esophagus. Burping often brings the acid up the esophagus. Burning in the throat due to gastric reflux may be accompanied by temporary hoarseness.
Episodic Dry Cough
Children younger than teens and even some adults do not have heartburn with gastric reflux, but they may have a dry cough during an episode of GER. The cough is caused by stomach acid irritating the throat. The episodic nature of the dry cough--that it happens after meals and only lasts a few hours--can tip you off that the cough might be caused by GER. If the cough is accompanied by burning in the throat or a sour taste in the mouth, this tips the scales heavily toward GER as the cause.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Medline Plus: GERD
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Gastroesophageal reflux in children and adolescents
- Mayo Clinic: GERD symptoms
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 16th Edition"; Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Eugene Braunwald, M.D., J. Larry Jameson, M.D., Ph.D., Dennis L. Kasper, M.D., Stephen L. Hauser, M.D., Dan L. Longo, M.D., Editors; 2004
