Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a condition in which the liquid content in the stomach refluxes back into esophagus. Acid reflux symptoms are often confused with symptoms of heart problems, though there are not the same. Therefore its necessary for you to know all the possible symptoms of acid reflux to avoid further confusion. Acid reflux symptoms may vary from person to person. Also, the symptoms of acid reflux in children are different from those in adults.

Most Common Acid Reflux Symptoms

The most common acid reflux symptoms include:

• Heartburn: Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux. It is a burning sensation that starts in the chest, just behind the breastbone. This symptom usually occurs after a heavy meal. It may also occur while lifting, bending over or soon after lying down particularly on the back. Most of the people with acid reflux experience similar heartburn symptoms even if they have different heartburn triggers.

• Regurgitation: Regurgitation is another common symptom of acid reflux. It is the feeling of liquid coming back into the throat. Sometimes the liquid content comes up in the mouth and experienced as a wet burp. Rarely, does it come out of the mouth.

• Sour or Bitter taste in the mouth: You may sometimes experience a sour or bitter taste in the mouth due to the backflow of stomach acid and juices into the esophagus. This acid reflux symptom often occurs along with the heartburn symptom.

• Dyspepsia: Nearly fifty percent of the people with acid reflux have dyspepsia. Dyspepsia is a condition in which you experience pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen and fullness in the stomach.

• Water Brash: Sometimes acid reflux may cause you to produce excessive saliva, which can be unpleasant. This is called water brash.

Less Common Acid Reflux Symptoms

Not all the people with acid reflux experience heartburn or regurgitation. Some may experience the symptoms of acid reflux that are not so common. Some of the less common symptoms of acid reflux include:

• Difficulty in swallowing: This acid reflux symptom is more commonly seen in advanced cases of acid reflux. In such cases, food may become trapped in esophagus making it difficult to swallow.

• Chest Pain: Chest pain is also one of the common symptoms seen in acid reflux patients. You may feel a heavy discomfort that spreads across the chest. Chest pain may occur along with heartburn.

• Nausea: Nausea that is experienced often in the morning is the uncommon symptom of acid reflux. However in some people it may be frequent and even result in vomiting.

• Coughing and Respiratory Symptoms: Some people with acid reflux may experience asthma-like symptoms like wheezing and coughing.

• Throat Problems: Throat problems like sore throat, acid laryngitis, sensation of having a lump in the throat and hoarseness.

Other acid reflux symptoms include:

• Persistent hiccups
• Erosion of the teeth due to acid
• Belching
• Loss of voice
• Burning sensation in the throat
• Dry cough
• Bad breath

If you experience these acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week, and experiencing these symptoms for more than three months you may have acid reflux.