7 Signs You’re Suffering From Acid Reflux and How to Fix It

Acid reflux affects millions of people around the world. For some, it is little more than a mild annoyance. For others, it can become chronic and severe. Many people are not familiar with the signs and symptoms of the condition and thus may confuse them with something else.

Knowing the signs of acid reflux is important. This will allow you to diagnose the cause of your discomfort and take action against it.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux (or gastroesophageal reflux- GER) happens when the contents in your stomach come back up into your esophagus. Doctors may also refer to acid reflux as acid indigestion, acid regurgitation, heartburn, or reflux. Acid reflux is very common, and many people experience it occasionally [1].

If you experience acid reflux more than twice per week, you may have a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This more serious and long-lasting condition can lead to other complications over time. As of 2014, researchers estimated that up to twenty percent of Americans have GERD [2].

Heartburn is another related condition to GER. It can be a symptom of acid reflux as well. However, this term can be somewhat misleading because you don’t feel it in your heart. While you do typically feel heartburn as mild to severe pain in your chest, it actually occurs in your digestive system. The reason you feel the pain in your esophagus is because its lining is more delicate than that of your stomach [3].

Heartburn often occurs after eating, and research shows that more than fifteen million Americans experience heartburn symptoms on any given day. It is particularly common for pregnant women and the elderly [4].

Silent reflux (or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)) is another condition similar to acid reflux. Like GER, LPR occurs when stomach acid flows back up the esophagus. It enters into the larynx (your voice box) and throat. We refer to it as silent reflux because it often does not cause any symptoms.

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7 Signs of Acid Reflux

Without treatment, GER and GERD can cause serious complications over time. These may include esophagitis, esophageal stricture, Barrett’s esophagus, and other conditions outside the esophagus [1].

Knowing the signs of acid reflux can help you diagnose it early and develop a treatment plan. This will prevent it from progressing and becoming a worse problem.

1. Bloating

Although medical experts don’t understand it well, there does seem to be a connection between GERD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Specifically, IBS often accompanies GERD. This suggests that the two conditions may share similar disease mechanisms [5].

The relationship between the two conditions, however, is complicated. If you experience frequent bloating, it could be because you have one or the other, or perhaps both conditions. For this reason, it is wise to talk with your doctor about testing for both in order to get to the root of your discomfort.

2. Acidic Taste in Your Mouth

When food and stomach acid frequently travel back up your esophagus, it can leave a sour or unpleasant taste in your mouth [6]. Often, no amount of brushing, flossing, or mouthwash will remove the taste. If you notice this taste in your mouth, talk to your doctor about testing for acid reflux or GERD.

3. Regurgitation

Regurgitation is when a mixture of gastric juices and occasionally undigested food comes back up through the esophagus and into your mouth. Not surprisingly, it is one of the most common symptoms of acid reflux and GERD [7].

4. Heartburn

Heartburn can result from several things, including consuming certain foods or drinks (like coffee, tomatoes, or spicy food, to name a few) or stress. Certain medications can also cause heartburn, as can being overweight, pregnant, or smoking [8].

It is also a very common symptom of acid reflux or GERD. It may feel like a burning sensation in the middle of your chest or start below your breastbone and rise up toward your throat.

5. Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia, or indigestion, is a discomfort or pain in your upper abdomen. It often occurs after eating or drinking. Symptoms of dyspepsia include bloating, discomfort, feeling too full, nausea, and gas.

Dyspepsia itself is not a disease but a symptom. Thus, it is a common symptom of GERD [9].

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6. Dysphagia

Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing difficulties. Some people who experience this condition have trouble swallowing certain foods or liquids, while others can’t swallow at all. It is a common symptom of GERD, and can include the following symptoms:

• coughing or choking when eating or drinking
• bringing food back up, sometimes through the nose
• a sensation that food is stuck in your throat or chest
• persistent drooling of saliva [10] 

7. Coughing

One of the most common causes of persistent coughing is GERD. According to researchers at the North Carolina University School of Medicine, GERD is responsible for up to 25 percent of all chronic cough cases [11].

It is difficult to distinguish between a regular cough and a GERD cough. There are,  however, some clues that may indicate GERD is the culprit. They may include:

• Coughing mostly at night or after a meal
• Coughing that occurs while you’re lying down.
• Persistent that coughing occurs even when other common causes are absent, such as smoking or taking medications (including ACE inhibitors).
• Coughing without asthma or post nasal drip or when chest X-rays are normal [11].

Treatment for Acid Reflux and GERD

In most cases, a few simple lifestyle changes can get rid of your acid reflux or GERD. These may include:

• Losing weight if you are overweight or obese.
• Elevating your head while you sleep.
• Quitting smoking
• Eating slowly, and avoiding large meals
• Avoid trigger foods, such as mint, fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, onions, garlic, coffee, tea, chocolate, and alcohol.
• Avoid carbonated beverages
• Stop eating three hours before bed
• Avoid vigorous exercise after eating [12,13]

If your symptoms still won’t go away, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following medications:

• Antacids
• H2 blockers
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
• Other medications [12]

It is important to be careful when taking any medication, and to speak with your doctor to ensure you understand exactly how to take it safely.

Surgery for GERD

If both lifestyle changes and medications don’t work, your doctor may recommend surgery. There are three main surgeries that you can undergo for GERD:

Fundoplication. This is the most common GERD surgery. In this procedure, a surgeon will sew the top of your stomach around your esophagus to add pressure to the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent acid reflux.

Bariatric surgery. This is weight-loss surgery, and your doctor may recommend it if you have obesity and GERD. 

Endoscopy. In this procedure, doctors insert an endoscope (a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera) through your mouth and into your esophagus. They may use this approach to perform a fundoplication, or to deliver radiofrequency energy to the sphincter. This, however, is uncommon [12].

The Bottom Line

Acid reflux is a very common condition that most people experience at least once in their lifetime. If, however, it happens to you more frequently, it is worth talking to your doctor. In most cases, you can deal with your condition through lifestyle changes, but you may need a more significant intervention if your symptoms don’t clear.

For most people, GER is not a dangerous condition. If left untreated, however, it could lead to more severe problems down the road. If you suspect you might have GER or GERD, talk to your doctor. The sooner you can get a diagnosis, the sooner you can begin treating the condition.

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