Acid Reflux Disease or GERD symptoms
One of the most common acid reflux disease symptoms is heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest that occurs after meal. It is a severe burning sensation that runs the whole of the thoracic region. It is extremely discomforting This sensation may last from a few minutes to a few hours. It can be worsen if the person lies down after eating. The burning sensation can also escalate to the throat area, and can be accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth, as if food was coming back from the stomach back to the throat. Normally the heartburn acid reflux symptom is not very serious in its own. But frequent episodes of heartburn can be alarming and it can signal acid gastro esophageal reflux disease also known as GERD.
Acid reflux signs are very similar to that of a heart attack . However, they are quite different from heart attack symptoms in that these normally seize after taking an antacid. In case of a heart attack the pain normally radiates from the chest to the left arm and there is a feeling of heaviness which does not happen in case of acid reflux.
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES ) is responsible for controlling the movement of food down the esophagus into the stomach. When the food reaches its destination, the sphincter closes and prevents the corrosive liquid content in the stomach from going backwards and injuring the more sensitive tissue of the esophagus. When the ring of muscle becomes weak or strained, the acid splashes back and this causes the burning sensation and signs of acid reflux.
in chronic condition , the continuous assault of the stomach acid can cause damage to the esophagus lining, resulting in bleeding, scarring or even tissue changes that may lead to cancer of the esophagus. There could also be narrowing of the esophagus, leading to difficulty in swallowing.
The symptoms of stomach acid reflux disease aggravate as the time goes if it has not been treated in the correct manner.
you may notice the following signs if acid reflux disease persist for longer time :
- Chronic sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest pain
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Nausea and vomiting
- A bloated feeling after meals
- Regurgitation food backflow from the gullet into the mouth
- Difficulty when swallowing
- Erosion of the teeth and gums caused by the acid .
Medication and lifestyle changes are often sufficient to reduce GERD symptoms though in severe cases surgery may be needed.
Neglecting the symptoms of heartburn acid reflux disease can create severe problems and it may also lead to surgery. Therefore, it is advisable that, symptoms of heartburn acid reflux disease should be treated properly.
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