Acid reflux most commonly exhibits three primary symptoms: Heartburn: A burning sensation radiating from the stomach to the chest and throat.
People suffering from heartburn may experience acute pain and discomfort during the day or during the night.
The severity of heartburn does not necessarily indicate damaged esophagus.
Regurgitation: A sensation that the acid from the stomach is backing up into the esophagus.
Regurgitation sometimes occurs up to the patient's mouth which is called "wet burping.
" (In addition to acid, other body products like bile and enzymes can cause discomfort when they back up into the esophagus and throat.
) Dyspepsia: Pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen, a sensation of fullness in the stomach, and/or nausea after eating.
However, there are cases where acid reflux does not result in heartburn or regurgitation.
They exhibit symptoms which include pain or discomfort in the chest region.
Patients must be careful in discriminating between the chest pain resulting from reflux and from angina or heart attack and should contact a physician.
Acid reflux may also manifest in the throat.
Symptoms can include persistent hiccups or a chronic sore throat, and trouble in swallowing, called dysphagia.
In severe cases of dysphagia, patients may even choke or food may become trapped in the esophagus, causing severe chest pain.
Lastly, this condition may manifest as acid laryngitis, a condition that includes hoarseness, dry cough, the sensation of having a lump in the throat, and the need to repeatedly clear the throat.
Treatment: While there are a range of treatments, it is best to start with simple remedies to find relief before rushing off for drugs or surgery.