Other Symptoms of Acid Reflux Apart From Heartburn

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Heartburn

Once food leaves your mouth, it passes through the esophagus (food pipe) into the stomach. At the meeting point of the esophagus and stomach, there is a ring or a bundle of muscles called the pyloric sphincter. The function of the ring-shaped tissue is to allow food into the stomach and keep it there for digestion. But, sometimes, the bundle of smooth muscles may not properly close, leading to Cypress acid reflux. Having acidic reflux means the acidic content in the stomach travels back into the food pipe. The gastric acid in the esophagus irritates its lining, which causes a burning sensation in your chest.

Since the condition is prevalent, you would think its proper identification is not an issue. The symptoms may not be apparent, or you may falsely believe the signs are for another condition. Without early identification of acid reflux, you risk severe health issues such as respiratory issues, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), persistent cough, food pipe swelling and narrowing, and Barrett’s syndrome. Consequently, below are usual and not-so-usual symptoms of acid reflux.

Sharp pain in the chest

Although pain in your chest may mean acid reflux, it may be a heart attack symptom. Thus, it is easy to think you are having a heart attack while it is heartburn. If the pain is from an impending heart attack, the chest will feel tighter, which extends to your neck, jaws, and back. Other associated symptoms may include irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and an urge to vomit.

However, chest pain due to acid reflux is much sharper and results from eating acidic, fatty, or fried foods.

The pain worsens when you bend over or lie down

If you sit up straight or standing, gravity assists in keeping food in your stomach. Without the assistance of gravity, especially when you bend over or flatly lie down, you are at a higher risk of heartburn.

Ensure a slight raising of your head with a pillow when lying on the bed, and avoid eating a few minutes before you sleep.

A foul taste

When the escaping gastric acid or bile finds its way into your food pipe, there is a high chance you will feel a bitter and sour taste in your mouth.

Triggers your asthmatic condition

The cough and wheeze that you make due to acid reflux can sometimes lead to the triggering of your asthma. The thinking is that the gastric acid or bile makes chest nerves squeeze your wind pipe to discourage more bile entrance.

No credible evidence links heartburn with the development of the asthmatic condition. The evidence is not overwhelming why asthmatic patients experience a lot of acid reflux.

Feeling of nausea after eating

Generally, the urge to vomit that acid reflux triggers occurs almost immediately after you finish eating. You can eliminate the nauseous feeling by using over-the-counter antacids to neutralize the stomach acid.

Contact Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG, today to schedule an appointment and learn more about heartburn symptoms and treatment options.