What is acid reflux and how do I know I have it? There are many symptoms of acid reflux and most of them are recognizable and include:
Heartburn: known as acid indigestion, heartburn presents as a burning pain moving up from the stomach to the middle of the abdomen and higher into the chest. In some severe cases, pain can also move into the throat.
Regurgitation: is another common symptom. Recognized as acid backing up into your throat or mouth, it often produces a sour or bitter taste.
Many patients with acid reflux also present with dyspepsia. Dyspepsia describes general stomach discomfort and symptoms include burping and nausea, bloating, and upper abdominal pain. Symptoms of acid reflux may indicate that stomach acid has irritated and inflamed the esophagus; resulting in damage to the esophageal lining as well as bleeding. While acid reflux is very common and rarely serious, it is important not to ignore the symptoms. Generally, over-the-counter antacids and incorporating a healthy eating plan will help control acid reflux symptoms. Many patients experience acid reflux symptoms in the early evening or at night when they experience the most pain. The level of pain, however, does not necessarily indicate damage to the esophagus. An examination by a trained medical professional is necessary to determine the extent of damage to the esophagus.
While heartburn due to poor food choices is generally harmless, there are a few red flags not to ignore. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting or regurgitation of blood
- Heartburn twice a week for more than two weeks
- Black or dark colored stool
- Difficulty swallowing
Very often, patients confuse acid reflux or GERD with symptoms of a heart attack. Either way, if any of these symptoms are persistent or become abnormally painful, a visit to your doctor is a sure way to discover if it is only heartburn or something more serious.
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