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Heartburn is a discomforting condition that nearly all people experience every once in a while. But chronic heartburn can be an indication of a far more serious disorder known as Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD). But besides heartburn there is a whole list of symptoms of acid reflux disease that you should be aware of.
Acid reflux or GERD is a disorder in which the contents of the stomach, including gastric acids and partially digested food, get regurgitated into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The esophagus does not have the protective mucous coating that the stomach does and can be damaged by stomach acids.
When the symptoms are mild it can be nothing more than a minor annoyance but it must be treated or it will worsen to the point of causing irreversible damage to the throat and esophagus. If acid reflux symptoms begin to become chronic it is a good idea to make an appointment with a doctor.
There are a variety of symptoms associated with GERD which are listed below. The first three are the most common but this does not mean they are always present with acid reflux. Any of the symptoms listed can be a sign of this condition.
1. Chronic Heartburn Although it feels like the heart is on fire this is not actually the case. When gastric acids get regurgitated back into the esophagus it creates a painful burning sensation in the center of the chest. Eating to much or foods that cause an upset stomach can all cause these symptoms, normally within two hour of eating.
2. Sour or Bitter Taste Usually occurs with the heartburn and is caused by the stomach acids and partially digested food that backflows into the esophagus. This causes a bitter or sour taste in the back of the throat.
3. Water Brash A condition in which a salty fluid, from the salivary glands regurgitates back into the mouth.
4. Difficulty Swallowing This symptom is associated with the advanced stages of acid reflux disease.
5. Chest Pain This can feel like a dull weight pushing down on the chest that can occur in conjunction with heartburn. It can be confused with the symptoms of a heart attack and any type of chest pain needs immediate medical attention.
6. Nausea This can occur any time of the day but usually is most noticeable in the morning.
7. Throat Disorders These can present as laryngitis, sore throat, hoarse voice, and a feeling of a swollen throat.
8. Lung Problems Symptoms include coughing wheezing, pneumonia, and damage to the passageways of the lungs. Persons with asthma will usually find that their asthma is much worse if they also suffer from acid reflux.
These are the major symptoms of acid reflux disease. If you suffer from any of these either alone or a combination of it is a good idea to see your doctor. GERD needs to be properly treated and this can only happen if it accurately diagnosed.
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on Saturday, November 17, 2007 View other articles written by Andrew Bicknell(6,659)
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