Acid reflux symptoms vary in degrees of discomfort, from person to person, and within different age groups. The most common and persistent symptom is a burning sensation centered in the middle of the chest and/or throat, brought on by stomach acid that churns up onto the lining of the esophagus.
This is due to the relaxing of the esophageal sphincter (valve), which remains open when it should be closed. Acid reflux also leads to one of the most unpleasant symptoms known as regurgitation of acid into the mouth, often due to overeating, or bending down after a meal.
People who suffer from acid reflux disease, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, exhibit symptoms that are chronic, persistent, and have a debilitating effect on their daily lifestyle. Though heartburn is the most common of the acid reflux disease symptoms, other signs may also manifest themselves. These symptoms include wheezing, coarseness in the throat, breathing problems, acid regurgitation, a bitter taste in the mouth, dry coughing, interrupted sleep, tightness in the throat, and halitosis (bad breath).
The risks for acid reflux disease increase, as most potential health problems, with age. Children also suffer from this disease, with symptoms that range from recurring coughing, vomiting, and breathing problems.
Don’t be confused by the term heartburn. Many believe that acid reflux symptoms affect the heart or mistakenly diagnose heartburn as a heart related problem. When in reality, the heart in not effected by acid reflux. The reason for the confusion lies in the fact that the heart is located near the pain center, when, actually, the esophagus is positioned behind the heart. One more thing to keep in mind is that acid reflux does not normally flare up during or beginning physical exertion, like many heart problems do. Again, always consult a physician on treatment options whether you experience signs of acid reflux or possible heart related problems.
