Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms and Signs

What are some acid reflux disease symptoms and signs?

Acid reflux, or gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a disease in which liquid in the stomach can back up into the esophagus. As a result, this can cause inflammation of the lining.

The liquid itself usually contains pepsin, which is an enzyme that helps digest proteins, acid, and bile. It is the acid component that can be the most damaging to the lining.

The primary signs and symptoms of acid reflux disease include heartburn, nausea, and vomiting, as well as overall stomach discomfort. There can also be other symptoms when the condition is considered more serious.

Heartburn is caused by the stimulation of nerve fibers in the esophagus. Although some people get frightened by heartburn and it can be mistaken for a heart attack, it actually occurs in the middle of the chest and usually feels like a burning pain. Individuals might also feel this acid reflux disease symptom in the upper abdomen, and even up into the neck and arms.

Individuals are more likely to get heartburn after a meal, which is when acid reflux is more common. Staying clear of spicy foods can help alleviate heartburn. For that reason, it is a good idea to know your trigger foods and to avoid them when you can. It can also worsen when the person is lying down. In fact, some people are even awakened by it in the middle of the night.

Vomiting is also one of the common acid reflux disease symptoms. It is also referred to as "regurgitation". This occurs when the liquid comes into your mouth. There might also be particles of food in the liquid, as well. Due to the amount of acid in the liquid, if this happens frequently, then the individual risks having damage done to their teeth.

While not always common, nausea can also occur in individuals who experience acid reflux disease. Individuals with sensitive stomachs might end up feeling nauseous due to the amount of bile and acid that is regurgitated.

Lastly, dyspepsia is also one of the acid reflux disease symptoms and signs. This is a broad term meant to encompass general stomach discomfort and can include upper abdominal pain and discomfort, belching, nausea after eating, and bloating.

Individuals are most likely to develop symptoms of acid reflux disease after eating a heavy meal, when lying down on their back, when bending over, and when pregnant. It is also more common to experience acid reflux disease symptoms at nighttime.

Some women might not have any acid reflux disease symptoms until pregnancy. That is because when the hormones are elevated, the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter is lowered, and this can lead to reflux. The developing fetus can also place an increased pressure within the stomach.

Unfortunately, acid reflux disease is a chronic disease and, once it starts, it usually sticks around. For that reason, it is important to treat acid reflux disease and to continue the treatments, which could include lifestyle changes.

In general, acid reflux disease does not cause any long-term complications. However, sometimes, the esophagus can narrow when there is scarring. This can make swallowing difficult.

Learn more about this ailment by reading the other related acid reflux articles and pages on this website.

Read More: More on Acid Reflux | Natural Health Remedies for Various Ailments and Conditions | Home Page | Site Search

Need relief from acid reflux? Click here to read the Reflux Remedy Report, where you can learn to overcome reflux using 3 common grocery items, or click here for a free acid reflux analysis by a medical doctor.

Click here to learn about a holistic system for helping you overcome acid reflux, heartburn, chest pain and discomfort, as well as other digestive disorders.

Click here to learn about how to end digestive pain, including that caused by acid reflux.

Click here for natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for acid reflux.

Click here for more pages and articles on Acid Reflux.

Some Related Acid Reflux Pages

Acid Reflux in Babies - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Remedies

Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms and Signs

Acid Reflux Food to Avoid - What to Remove From Your Diet

Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux - Home Treatments for Relief

Anti Acid Reflux Diets - Foods to Eat and Avoid

Natural Acid Reflux Cures and Remedies - Treatment and Relief

Home Remedies for Acid Reflux - Natural Relief

Acid Reflux in Children and Infants

Acid Reflux Natural Remedies - Treatment and Relief

Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Reflux Relief Benefits

Foods for Acid Reflux Relief and Recovery - Useful Diet Tips and Habits

Baby Reflux - Tips for Relief for Acid Reflux in Infants

Natural Acid Reflux Treatment - Home Remedies and Lifestyle Cures