Digestive System Disorders: Acid Reflux Symptoms

In the stomach, there is an amount of liquid content that helps digest food. This content contains an enzyme called pepsin, that helps in the digestion of proteins, and acid. In acid reflux (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD), this liquid backs up (refluxes) into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation and even nausea in those suffering from GERD. In certain people, the liquid may also consists of bile, that was refluxed into the stomach from the duodenum. This condition is chronic and can inflame and damage the esophagus.

There are several conditions and factors that make people more susceptible to acid reflux. For example, in pregnancy the increased pressure in the abdomen caused by the growing fetus, in conjunction with the elevated hormones in the mother tends to lower the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter. This action is known to increase reflux. People who also suffer from connective tissue diseases as well as scleroderma are also prone to GERD. Other factors include hiatal hernias, defective esophageal contractions, slower emptying of the stomach and abnormalities of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Symptoms of acid reflux are uncomfortable and painful, and should not be ignored over a period of time. As mentioned earlier, GERD is chronic and can cause damage to the esophagus. People who suffer from this condition have the following symptoms, which can vary within individuals.

Heartburn: Heartburn is a burning pain in the middle of the chest, behind the sternum. Heartburn commonly after meals, and is due to the stimulation of the nerve fibers in the esophagus caused by acid in the esophagus. Heartburn can also occur when laying down due to the effects of gravity and the stomach, therefore acid is returned to the stomach more slowly. The severity of heartburn goes from frequent and/or severe for several weeks and months to less frequent and/or severe, perhaps absent, over a period of several weeks and months following. Heartburn is a chronic problem that almost always returns.

Regurgitation: Regurgitation happens when larger quantities of liquid (and sometimes food),are refluxed and reach the upper esophagus. The reflux liquid gets through the upper esophageal sphincter, which normally prevents esophageal contents from backing up into the throat; resulting in an acid taste. If there are larger quantities getting though, patients may find their mouths full of the liquid or food, which might be included in the liquid. Acid induced erosions of the teeth can also result from this symptom of acid reflux.

Nausea: A rare symptoms of acid reflux, the frequency and/or the severity of acid reflux might induce such vomiting. Acid reflux (or GERD) is one of the first conditions suspected when unexplained vomiting is a symptom.

Knowing the symptoms of GERD is the first step to treating the condition. If left untreated, then damage to the esophagus may occur. If you think you may be suffering acid reflux, it is important for you to see a doctor, and get a proper diagnosis, and talk about treatment options.

Acid Reflux Disease
GERD