Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is also known as GERD or gastric reflux disease. There is a muscle at the top of the stomach called the lower esophageal sphincter, known as the LES. Gastric reflux occurs when the LES is relaxed or weak. This allows stomach acid to reflux, or back up into the esophagus.

The most common of the gastric reflux symptoms is heartburn. Heartburn is a burning sensation that occurs in the center of the chest. It may begin in the upper part of the abdomen and may go as high as the neck. Some people will experience pressure or sharp pain instead of the burning sensation. It can easily be confused with an angina or a heart attack. When in doubt, you should seek medical help. Heartburn usually happens after you have eaten. Heartburn can also occur after lying down or even bending over. Many people are awakened in the night with heartburn symptoms. Almost everyone has experienced heartburn and treat it with over the counter medications. On the other hand, if your heartburn last all night or for several hours, this could be a symptom of gastric reflux disease. If you experience heartburn more than twice a week for a few months, this could also be a symptom of gastric reflux.

Another symptom that may be attributed to gastric reflux is a sour taste in your mouth. This taste is caused by the back up of stomach acids in the esophagus. This taste often happens with the heartburn but can be experienced on it’s own. It may be possible that this taste is the only symptom you experience and still have gastric reflux.

Although not common some people with gastric reflux may experience nausea. In some cases, it happens often and it can be severe. Experts do not have an answer as to why some people develop nausea and others just experience heartburn.

Some throat issues may also be symptoms of gastric reflux. Hoarseness could be a symptom, coughing, and experiencing a felling like something is lodged in your throat. Another symptom is called water brash, which is actually having an excess of saliva. If you are experiencing trouble when you are trying to swallow, this could be a symptom of an advanced disease.

If any of the symptoms persist for any length of time, a trip to the doctor’s office is advised. Most doctors will advise you to change your diet by staying away from some trigger foods such as carbonated drinks, citrus, and tomatoes. They will also advise you on portion size and when is the best time for you to eat. Your doctor can also prescribe medications such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or H2 blockers. If you are a smoker, the doctor will advise you to quit or drastically cut back. If the symptoms still persist after diet, medications, and life style changes, surgery may be suggested.

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