The symptoms of acid reflux are quite common and can be easily recognized. Possibly the most common symptom is a burning sensation located in the chest. This is known as heartburn and it can be extremely debilitating. Individuals may also experience discomfort and tightness in their chest. With both the aforementioned symptoms, many individuals actually believe that they are experiencing a heart attack. I recall a neighbor of ours calling 911 and being rushed to the emergency room at the hospital for what he thought was a heart attack, but actually turned out to be a severe case of heartburn. The symptoms of these two conditions can be that similar.
The Symptoms Of Acid Reflux
Other symptoms of acid reflux include a burning sensation located in the back of the throat. Many individuals, because of the burning sensation, often get a sore throat and/or experience hoarseness. If the stomach acid pushes the food back up the esophagus, people will likely experience regurgitation, develop a sour taste in their mouth, and have a very difficult time swallowing food. This difficulty swallowing food is known as dysphagia and needs to be properly treated at onset or else it can cause an individual to aspirate, whereby the food and/or liquid enters into the lungs.
Acid reflux is actually a very common medical condition whereby gastric juices in the stomach, which contain acid, begin to travel backwards from the stomach and into a person’s esophagus. This occurs in the lower esophageal sphincter, which is where the stomach meets the esophagus. The muscles connecting the esophagus to the stomach are supposed to enable food to enter the stomach and then shut tightly to inhibit the flow of acid from heading into the esophagus. However, if the lower esophageal sphincter is malfunctioning, it may improperly close, causing a variety of unpleasant reactions related to acid reflux. Acid reflux may last a number of days, several months, or even longer if it is not properly treated either with over the counter medications, prescription medications, or home remedies. Individuals who have suffered from acid reflux need to be cautious to ensure it does not occur again.
There are number ways that people contract acid reflux. For some individuals, acid reflux is a sign of a much larger medical condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD for short. Food that enters into the stomach only is partly digested by acid and enzymes in the stomach to be broken down to items the body needs. Most of the time, the food that has been partially digested by the stomach acid is then delivered to the small intestines by the stomach muscle to continue on with the process of digestion. However, if an individual is suffering from acid reflux, the stomach acid contents, instead of moving forward, travel backwards, causing damage and inflammation.
There are a number of factors that contribute to acid reflux and all its symptoms. These factors include cigarette smoking, alcohol, fatty foods, caffeine, chocolate, and the delayed emptying of the stomach. Pregnancy and obesity are also known to cause symptoms associated with acid reflux. These two medical conditions increase the pressure on the abdomen, the trunk of the body, which then pushes the contents in the stomach back up into the lower esophageal sphincter.
For a majority of men and women who suffer from acid reflux, the discomfort linked with the symptoms of this condition often affect their overall quality of life and inhibit them from taking part in normal, everyday activities, such as work. Heartburn caused by acid reflux can be extremely troublesome as it may almost feel as though the person is suffering from a heart attack. If the damaged esophagus becomes ulcerated due to acid reflux, it will cause the esophagus to narrow and will make it quite difficult to swallow foods and liquids.
Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is also bound to happen because of the high concentration of acid in the stomach, which prevents food from being properly digested. Three more common symptoms associated with acid reflux include laryngitis due to the damaged esophagus, a persistent cough, and difficult time sleeping at night.
There are also a number of symptoms of acid reflux that are not quite as common. This may include wearing down the enamel on teeth, an increased number of cavities, as well as gingivitis. Acid reflux may cause bad breath, the need to constantly clear the throat, and a chronic sore throat. Some people wake up in the middle of the night thinking they are choking or begin to have a coughing fit. Chronic sinus infections and chronic vomiting are other lesser common symptoms of acid reflux.
If not treated at its onset, acid reflux can cause a number of severe symptoms. First, it can lead to esophagitis, which is when the muscles in the lower esophageal sphincter that prevent stomach acid contents from coming back up cease to continue working. If esophagitis occurs, it can result in the occurrence of esophageal ulcers or bleeding, known as Barrett’s esophagus. While there can be minimal scarring on the esophagus lining with acid reflux, as well as the narrowing of the area, if not treated immediately, it will hinder the ability of an individual to eat and drink. The only way to get rid of this symptom is to stretch and enlarge the esophagus.
There are a number of ways to manage this condition, making it so individuals do not have to incur most of the symptoms of acid reflux. This can include eating smaller meals and not eating two to three hours before bedtime. It also may include staying away from certain foods and drinks and maintaining an overall healthier lifestyle that will ensure there is no increase in stomach acid.
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