About 20% of people in the United States struggle with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a serious form of acid reflux. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious health problems that affect the health and function of the esophagus.
It’s normal to experience occasional acid reflux. However, it’s important to seek medical help when it becomes frequent. Our team at Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, in Jackson, Mississippi, wants you to recognize these five signs of acid reflux so you know when to get the care you need.
Heartburn is one of the most recognizable symptoms of acid reflux. It’s a burning sensation in the chest that usually occurs after eating and can last several minutes to a few hours.
Heartburn happens when stomach acid irritates the lining of the esophagus. If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, it may be a sign of chronic acid reflux or GERD.
People with acid reflux often experience regurgitation, where stomach acid or partially digested food moves back up into the throat or mouth. This can create a sour or bitter taste and a sensation of food coming back up.
Regurgitation is uncomfortable and may happen after meals, particularly when lying down or bending over.
Acid reflux can cause inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus over time, making it difficult to swallow. This makes it feel like food is stuck in your throat or chest. If you’re frequently struggling to swallow or experience pain when doing so, it may be related to chronic acid reflux.
Acid reflux doesn’t just affect the digestive system. In fact, it can also lead to respiratory symptoms like a chronic cough, sore throat, or hoarseness. Stomach acid that irritates the throat and larynx can cause persistent coughing, particularly after eating or at night.
Many people mistakenly assume these symptoms are related to a cold or allergies when they’re actually due to acid reflux.
Acid reflux can sometimes cause chest pain, which may be mistaken for heart-related issues. This pain is typically due to acid irritating the esophagus and can feel like a burning, aching, or tight sensation in the chest.
While chest pain can be a sign of a more severe condition like a heart attack, if it’s accompanied by other symptoms of acid reflux, you should explore if GERD may be the underlying cause.
If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, consult Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, for a full health workup. We specialize in diagnosing and treating acid reflux so that patients can find lasting relief. We offer lifestyle changes, medication, and, in some cases, surgery to manage GERD.
Reach out to Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, by phone today or use the online tool to talk to our expert team.
