Most people experience heartburn or stomach issues every so often, these could be the first of many acid reflux symptoms. However, when you begin to experience these issues on a frequent basis, it could be symptoms of acid reflux, and not just minor stomach upset.
Why does Acid Reflux happen?
Acid reflux disease causes the acids in your stomach to flow back into the espophogas. When stomach acids flow back into the esophogas, it causes heartburn and other discomfort. Acid reflux is experienced by as many as 60 million Americans at least once a month. In certain studies, as many as 15 million Americans have claimed to experience symptoms of acid reflux on a daily basis.
Common Acid Reflux Symptoms
While certain people may experience ocassional heartburn after eating certain foods, other people may experience severe discomfort, and pain after regularly eating meals or certain foods. Experiencing heartburn on a regular basis can be a sign of a serious problem. Heartburn is one of the most common symptoms of acid reflux. As the acids in the stomach flow back into the esophogas, the burning sensation or pain often felt in the throat is heartburn and is the result of the acids flowing back.
A very common acid reflux symptom is dyspepsia. Dyspepsia is a syndrome defined as a general stomach upset. Stomach upset may include feeling bloated, nausea, and upper abdominal pain, as well as frequent burping. The reason dyspepsia occurs is the same reason heartburn occurs. Many people who experience dyspepsia may also experience heartburn at the same time.
Another common acid reflux symptom is dysphagia. Dysphagia is defined as having trouble swallowing. The reason this symptom occurs with acid reflux is because the acids in the stomach cause damage to the esophogal tube. When the esophogal tube is damaged, it can make swallowing difficult.
Many people who suffer from acid reflux also suffer from asthma. Asthma often occurs in acid reflux sufferers due to the gastric juices seeping up and into the mouth and throat, as well as the lung passages. Once the gastric juices seep into these areas, breathing can become difficult and coughing can occur. Certain types of asthma medications may also contribute to acid reflux.
Regurgitation is also a common symptom of acid reflux. Many people who experience regurgitation as a result of acid reflux can often feel acid backing up into the throat. Many people actually vomit as a result of regurgitation. Typically, people complain of the burning sensation and bitter or sour taste associated with regurgitation.
Other Acid Reflux Symptoms
Other symptoms include hoarseness and dental erosion. Hoarseness occurs due to the frequent occurence of acid in the throat. Dental erosion can occur in acid reflux sufferers after a period of time. Frequent regurgitation and stomach acids in the mouth wears away teeth over time which can lead to dental damage such as cavities, rotting teeth, and more. Some acid reflux symptoms can be indicative of certain, more serious conditions, please be sure to contact your doctor if your symptoms persist.
Having a little heartburn is normal for most people. However frequently suffering from heartburn or other common acid reflux symptoms can not only cause severe discomfort, but can lead to other health problems, as well.
