Important Details About Acid Reflux Symptoms

Sometimes certain foods (especially spicy foods) that were once loved suddenly become something to be avoided. Unfortunately some of our favorite foods can result in an odd burning sensation in our chest or throat. This uncomfortable feeling is commonly called "heartburn", and can be the beginning of acid reflux symptoms.

Although most people experience heartburn occasionally some people get this feeling far more frequently. Strong heartburn that happens on a regular or basis is not normal. It is one of the signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease. This disease is commonly known as GERD, or simply as acid reflux syndrome. Most GERD patients report that the symptoms usually occur at night.

The associated heartburn is often described as a burning sensation that radiates up from the stomach to the chest and throat. The heartburn is usually connected to eating a heavy or spicy meal, bending over or lifting, or lying down - particularly on one's back. These acid reflux symptoms can last up to a couple of hours.

This disorder results from stomach acid moving backward from the stomach into the esophagus. A frequent cause is that the lower muscular valve (lower esophageal sphincter) is weak or does not close properly. Acid reflux is the label given to the event of the stomach contents moving backward from the stomach into the esophagus.

Sufferers of GERD usually notice that they regularly have the pain of heartburn in the chest or stomach. This syndrome is referred to as dyspepsia. Although most people suffer from this sort of pain on an occasional basis, it is not normal to experience this frequently. Dyspepsia is usually described as pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen or fullness in the stomach. Some people report that they also experience nausea after eating.

Another common symptom of GERD is regurgitation. Regurgitation refers to food and liquid containing stomach acid coming back up into the throat or mouth. Just as with heartburn, regurgitation is not uncommon but if it is experienced on a frequent basis there may be cause for concern.

Other symptoms frequently reported include:

Treatments vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. Some people simply modify their eating and drinking habits. Others may need the aid of medications to control the symptoms. And in very rare and severe cases surgery may be required to remedy the situation.

Recommended lifestyle changes for sufferers of acid reflux symptoms include:

Most people that suffer with GERD find that not eating 2 - 3 hours before going to bed helps to minimize symptoms. Doctors sometimes advise raising the head of the bed 6 - 8 inches.

You should visit your doctor if you are experiencing heartburn that doesn't go away or any of the other symptoms of acid reflux. Although any of the described symptoms can occur occasionally in a healthy person, if experienced on a regular or frequent basis treatment may be recommended.