Updated December 29, 2014.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
The majority of people have suffered from heartburn at least once. Millions of people have an episode of heartburn at least once a month. They may have suffered from heartburn after eating a spicy meal or maybe after overindulgence at a family get together. In these cases, many pop a couple antacids and they feel fine.
There are other people who suffer from frequent heartburn. They experience heartburn two or more times a week.
They may take antacids when the heartburn occurs, but relief is usually temporary. This could be a sign of something more than "just heartburn." It could be a symptom of a more serious disorder, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or a hiatal hernia.
Whenever heartburn is frequent, or the symptoms cause you concern, you should talk to your doctor.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also referred to as acid reflux disease, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents reflux back up into the esophagus.
Many people think of heartburn when they first hear the words gastroesophageal reflux disease. While most people with GERD will experience symptoms of heartburn, some people with GERD do not suffer from heartburn. There are, however, other possible symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. If you experience any of the following symptoms, with or without chronic heartburn, you may be suffering from GERD, and you should see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Chest pain
This pain usually starts behind the breastbone (the sternum), and may travel up to the throat. It usually occurs shortly after eating, and can last from a few minutes to several hours. Chest pain can be a symptom of several conditions, and one of the most serious conditions is a heart attack. Therefore, chest pain should always be reported promptly to your doctor, especially when accompanied by select other symptoms.
A burning feeling in the throat
This is a sensation of burning, usually high up in the neck though it can occur lower. The pain may worsen with swallowing. This burning sensation can result from irritation when stomach contents reflux up into the throat.
Difficulty swallowing
Trouble with swallowing (dysphagia) occurs when food does not pass normally from the mouth through the esophagus to the stomach. There may be a sensation of food sticking in the throat, chest pressure or "burning" after eating, or a feeling of choking. Difficulty swallowing could be a sign of various conditions, including erosive esophagitis and esophageal cancer, and should always be evaluated by a physician.
Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
This sour or bitter taste can occur when stomach contents reflux up into the esophagus and may reach the back of the throat. When the contents enter the back of the throat, a person will often have a sour or bitter taste in their mouth.
Difficulty swallowing
Trouble with swallowing (dysphagia) occurs when food does not pass normally from the mouth through the esophagus to the stomach. There may be a sensation of food sticking in the throat, chest pressure or "burning" after eating, or a feeling of choking. Difficulty swallowing could be a sign of various conditions, including erosive esophagitis and esophageal cancer, and should always be evaluated by a physician.
Persistent dry cough
In some studies, GERD accounted for about 41% of cases of chronic cough in nonsmoking patients. If refluxed stomach acid is aspirated, it can cause coughing.
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If you suspect you have GERD, it is important that you see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. If GERD is not treated effectively, or is untreated, the constant acid reflux can irritate the lining of the esophagus, and serious complication can occur. These complications can include Barrett's esophagus, erosive esophagitis, esophageal cancer, and esophageal strictures. There are several steps you can take that can drastically reduce your chances of developing one of these complications. These include lifestyle modifications and dietary changes.
----------
Sources:
Anil Minocha, M.D., Christine Adamec. How To Stop Heartburn - Simple Ways to Heal Heartburn and Acid Reflux. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2001.
"Heartburn, Hiatal Hernia, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)." NIH Publication No. 03Â0882 June 2003. NIH Publication No. 03Â0882 May 2007. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
"Updated Guidelines for the diagnosis and Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease." The American College of Gastroenterology
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
The majority of people have suffered from heartburn at least once. Millions of people have an episode of heartburn at least once a month. They may have suffered from heartburn after eating a spicy meal or maybe after overindulgence at a family get together. In these cases, many pop a couple antacids and they feel fine.
There are other people who suffer from frequent heartburn. They experience heartburn two or more times a week.
They may take antacids when the heartburn occurs, but relief is usually temporary. This could be a sign of something more than "just heartburn." It could be a symptom of a more serious disorder, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or a hiatal hernia.
Whenever heartburn is frequent, or the symptoms cause you concern, you should talk to your doctor.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also referred to as acid reflux disease, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents reflux back up into the esophagus.
Many people think of heartburn when they first hear the words gastroesophageal reflux disease. While most people with GERD will experience symptoms of heartburn, some people with GERD do not suffer from heartburn. There are, however, other possible symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. If you experience any of the following symptoms, with or without chronic heartburn, you may be suffering from GERD, and you should see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Chest pain
This pain usually starts behind the breastbone (the sternum), and may travel up to the throat. It usually occurs shortly after eating, and can last from a few minutes to several hours. Chest pain can be a symptom of several conditions, and one of the most serious conditions is a heart attack. Therefore, chest pain should always be reported promptly to your doctor, especially when accompanied by select other symptoms.
A burning feeling in the throat
This is a sensation of burning, usually high up in the neck though it can occur lower. The pain may worsen with swallowing. This burning sensation can result from irritation when stomach contents reflux up into the throat.
Difficulty swallowing
Trouble with swallowing (dysphagia) occurs when food does not pass normally from the mouth through the esophagus to the stomach. There may be a sensation of food sticking in the throat, chest pressure or "burning" after eating, or a feeling of choking. Difficulty swallowing could be a sign of various conditions, including erosive esophagitis and esophageal cancer, and should always be evaluated by a physician.
Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
This sour or bitter taste can occur when stomach contents reflux up into the esophagus and may reach the back of the throat. When the contents enter the back of the throat, a person will often have a sour or bitter taste in their mouth.
Difficulty swallowing
Trouble with swallowing (dysphagia) occurs when food does not pass normally from the mouth through the esophagus to the stomach. There may be a sensation of food sticking in the throat, chest pressure or "burning" after eating, or a feeling of choking. Difficulty swallowing could be a sign of various conditions, including erosive esophagitis and esophageal cancer, and should always be evaluated by a physician.
Persistent dry cough
In some studies, GERD accounted for about 41% of cases of chronic cough in nonsmoking patients. If refluxed stomach acid is aspirated, it can cause coughing.
----------
If you suspect you have GERD, it is important that you see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. If GERD is not treated effectively, or is untreated, the constant acid reflux can irritate the lining of the esophagus, and serious complication can occur. These complications can include Barrett's esophagus, erosive esophagitis, esophageal cancer, and esophageal strictures. There are several steps you can take that can drastically reduce your chances of developing one of these complications. These include lifestyle modifications and dietary changes.
----------
Sources:
Anil Minocha, M.D., Christine Adamec. How To Stop Heartburn - Simple Ways to Heal Heartburn and Acid Reflux. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2001.
"Heartburn, Hiatal Hernia, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)." NIH Publication No. 03Â0882 June 2003. NIH Publication No. 03Â0882 May 2007. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
"Updated Guidelines for the diagnosis and Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease." The American College of Gastroenterology
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