The Symptoms Of Acid Reflux
Acid Reflux And The Symptoms
Acid Reflux happens when food and acids from the stomach move back up the esophagus (this is a tube that moves food from the throat to the stomach). If acid reflux is diagnosed it is thought to be a lifelong condition and should be treated so. Some acid reflux symptoms are more common and they include:
Heartburn
When people think of acid reflux symptoms, most of them think of heartburn first. Heartburn is an unpleasant burning sensation in the chest.
It may occur after a large meal, or when you are lying down trying to rest. Heartburn is caused by stomach acid literally burning the esophagus.
Regurgitation
Regurgitation is an acid reflux symptom that occurs when the stomach acid backs all the way into the throat and mouth.
It usually causes a bitter taste and a painful, burning sensation in the throat. Some sufferers even report small pieces of food coming back up into the mouth.
Nausea
A less common symptom of acid reflux is nausea. Acid reflux is often suspected when there is no other obvious cause for nausea.
Dysphagia Or Odynophagia
Dysphagia is an acid reflux symptom that refers to difficulty swallowing. People feel that the food gets “stuck” somewhere in the esophagus. Odynophagia refers to painful swallowing. The pain can be so intense that some people become afraid of eating.
These two symptoms of acid reflux usually occur after the reflux has been going on long enough to damage the esophagus.
Problems Breathing
Material in the esophagus may be sucked–”aspirated”–into the lungs where it can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and pneumonia.
Oral Symptoms
Acid refluxed from the stomach into the mouth can irritate the gums and cause tooth decay as well as an unpleasant taste and the feeling of excessive saliva in the mouth.
Barrett’s Esophagus
Acid reflux sufferers should have regular check ups with their doctors, in the prevention of “ Barrett’s Esophagus”. This is medical term used when acid reflux causes the cells of the esophagus to change and a possibility of cancer developing.
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