Acid Reflux Causes – Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux

1. Heartburn

Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux. It’s an unpleasant burning sensation in the throat, chest or neck that occurs after indulging in something with a sour, acidic taste.

Heartburn is an uncomfortable symptom for many, but if it happens two or more times a week then there may be cause for alarm. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a serious condition that could lead to ulcers in your esophagus, a bad taste in your mouth, and cancer of the esophagus called Barrett’s Esophagus.

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle at the end of your esophagus that normally blocks off the stomach from your esophagus, fails to function correctly. When this muscle opens, food and stomach acid can back up into your esophagus lining, leading to irritation to these areas as well as an uncomfortable burning sensation in your throat, chest, or neck.

Thankfully, there are ways to treat and prevent heartburn and acid reflux. You can start by altering your lifestyle by watching how much food you eat and when. Additionally, avoiding certain foods like spicy or fatty ones may help.

You may want to try over-the-counter antacids that neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief from heartburn. They come in various strengths, so you may have to experiment before finding one that works best for you.

If a home remedy doesn’t work, your doctor can suggest medications. These may include antacids, histamine H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors which all reduce stomach acid production in your body.

Your doctor may suggest these medications if other treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, or if there is a history of heartburn or acid reflux occurring more than twice per week. Your physician may also order tests to measure how much stomach acid you produce and whether the LES is functioning correctly.

You can find some relief for occasional bouts of heartburn and acid reflux by making simple lifestyle adjustments. Watch portion sizes; avoid spicy or fatty foods and alcohol; and drink plenty of water. Taking an antacid after meals may also help ease the pain. For extra-helping-hand, mix lemon juice with warm water and honey into a beverage; this has an alkalizing effect which makes your stomach less acidic, while honey acts as a natural antioxidant.

2. Chest pain

Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid and food pass back up into your esophagus. If this happens frequently, you may experience symptoms like heartburn. The esophagus is the tube connecting your throat to your stomach that aids in the digestion of food.

Your esophagus and chest cavity (thorax) is lined with sensory nerves that send pain signals to your brain. Chest pain, which often feels on one side of the chest and gets worse when you take a deep breath or cough, could be indicative of either an issue with either your esophagus or heart, according to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).

Chest pain can manifest differently depending on what it’s caused by, making it difficult to distinguish if it’s acid reflux or another issue. That is why it is essential to take any chest pain seriously and seek medical help if you believe you might be having a heart attack or another major issue.

Heart attacks are painful and potentially life-threatening conditions in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is cut off. Other symptoms that may accompany it include extreme discomfort in the center of your chest that comes and goes, sometimes feeling like heartburn.

Chest pain is an emergency medical situation requiring immediate care, and your doctor can provide medication to reduce the pain. But they will also ask questions about your health history, physical activities and everyday living to rule out other potential causes for the discomfort.

Chest pain is often due to GERD, a chronic condition in which the stomach secretes too much acid. GERD is usually treatable with lifestyle changes and medication like a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), but you should see a gastroenterologist if your chest pain persists or worsens after trying these treatment options.

Dr. Murray notes that noncardiac chest pain, commonly referred to as heartburn or acid indigestion, tends not to be as intense and can last longer than cardiac chest pain.

3. Nausea

Nausea is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your esophagus. People suffering from this condition experience frequent heartburn as well as other signs like a bitter taste in their mouth, coughing or burping.

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle at the end of your esophagus, fails to close properly and allows stomach acid to flow back up into your esophagus. This can occur for various reasons.

Acid reflux that isn’t addressed can have serious repercussions. It may cause inflammation of the esophagus, known as esophagitis; it may even lead to Barrett’s esophagus or even oesophageal cancer.

For mild cases of GERD, treatment may include eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and taking over-the-counter medications like antacids. You could also try a natural approach like drinking apple cider vinegar and taking ginger supplements.

If your nausea persists despite trying these treatments, it may be time to see a doctor. They can order an X-ray or barium swallow in order to check for ulcers and narrowing of your esophagus.

Another way to manage nausea is by taking a bath in warm water mixed with Epsom salts, which can help relax your stomach. You could also add some essential oils like lavender, lemon, or peppermint essential oil drops for extra relaxation.

Ulreich notes that the aroma of these essential oils can help soothe your nerves. You can use them in a diffuser or place a few drops onto a tissue and inhale when feeling nauseous.

Altering your diet and lifestyle can also help alleviate acid reflux and other digestive issues, such as smoking and alcohol which weaken the LES valve.

Additionally, try to limit large meals or those with high-fat content to two or fewer per day. Excess weight puts strain on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and can lead to acid leaking up into your mouth.

Elevating your head after eating can help keep acid in your stomach. You could also put a 6-inch block under your head while sleeping to raise it and encourage gravity to keep the acid out of your stomach.

4. Vomiting

Vomiting can often be indicative of an underlying medical condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When stomach acid comes up into your esophagus, vomiting may occur. Frequent vomiting could also indicate an underlying issue like asthma when your lungs become inflamed from acid reflux.

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of GERD, but can usually be relieved with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter antacids. Generally, symptoms subside after a few days of treatment; however, if your symptoms persist for more than two weeks then it’s best to consult your doctor.

Gerd can also cause regurgitation when the contents of your stomach return to your esophagus and mouth. You may experience a burning, warm sensation in your throat as well as an aftertaste that lingers.

It can also make you feel sick and may cause your heart rate to increase as the body sends extra saliva to protect from stomach acid. In some cases, this may result in dry heaves or nonproductive emesis – when nothing comes out of your stomach.

You might notice blood in your vomit, which could indicate a cut or scrape to your esophagus or stomach. It’s best to contact your doctor right away if there is blood present as this could be indicative of something more serious.

Vomiting can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as food poisoning, the flu or gastroenteritis, stress, pain, motion sickness, and certain medications. Pregnant women and children who experience nausea or vomiting should seek medical attention immediately; dehydration could have serious repercussions if not addressed promptly.

If you have a history of vomiting, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical exam to rule out an underlying health issue. They may prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms or refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Vomiting sends signals to your brain’s chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). This area instructs other parts of your body to initiate vomiting when something inhales or irritates it. Once activated, CTZ sends a message to your stomach telling it to vomit.