1. Occasional Heartburn or GERD?
Many people get that burning pain in the center of their chest. Oodles of over-the-counter remedies verify that occasional heartburn is part of the human condition. But a vast difference exists between occasional heartburn brought on by a person eating something that doesn't agree with him and gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD or acid reflux disease. People who have acid reflux disease are more likely to experience serious medical conditions, including cancer of the esophagus, although this is rare. Identifying acid reflux symptoms is vitally important to your health and life.
2. What Happens in the Stomach Should Stay in the Stomach
The stomach contains acid and pepsin, an enzyme necessary for breaking down proteins. Some people's stomachs may also contain bile, a liquid secreted by the liver to help digest food, particularly fats. Anyone with acid reflux who has regurgitated bile can attest to the yellow liquid's bitter taste. Despite the bile's taste, acid appears to be the hardest on the esophagus, causing inflammation. The stomach can take the acid; the esophagus cannot.
3. Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Hands down, heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux pain. The burning pain can occur in the high abdomen, chest, neck or the upper back. However, some people experience sharp pain accompanied with pressure instead of burning. People can easily mistake these symptoms for a heart attack. Regurgitation of stomach fluids or food occurs when the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) does not hold back contents that have reached the higher esophagus. You may have a bitter taste or the contents may be enough that they fill your mouth. A less common symptom of acid reflux is nausea.
4. Nerves Dictate Acid Reflux Symptoms
Acid reflux can stimulate nerves in the lower esophagus that will cause coughing or an asthma attack. A sore throat or hoarseness can be a symptom of acid reflux that has broken past the UES, causing inflammation. Liquid can aspirate into the lungs, too. This can produce coughing and choking but not always. Regardless, the result can be pneumonia and requires immediate medical attention. Acid reflux can cause the ears to fill with fluid due to the adenoids swelling. This symptom occurs most often with acid reflux in children.
5. Often Undetected Severe Symptoms of GERD
The inflammation caused by acid reflux can lead to ulcers. Severe bleeding is possible, which requires medical attention. Most often, however, no symptoms are present and a gastroenterologist discovers the ulcers by conducting an endoscopy. When ulcers heal, they leave behind scar tissue. Scars can shrink the inner cavity of the esophagus, which can cause food to get stuck and difficulty in swallowing. About 10 percent of people with acid reflux disease develop Barrett's esophagus, and a gastroenterologist needs to conduct a biopsy to make this diagnosis. Barrett's esophagus can lead to cancer of the esophagus.
