November is home to GERD Awareness Week, a time to bring attention to a digestive condition that affects millions of people. GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when stomach contents repeatedly flow back into the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. This backflow can cause irritation and discomfort.
Occasional acid reflux is common, but GERD is different. It involves persistent or troublesome reflux symptoms that can interfere with daily life. Knowing which symptoms to watch for can help people decide when it’s time to talk with a provider.
Common and Less Typical Symptoms of GERD
GERD can cause several symptoms, ranging from the familiar burning sensation of heartburn to less obvious changes that may affect the throat, breathing, or digestion. Heartburn and regurgitation are two of the most recognized GERD symptoms. Heartburn causes a burning sensation behind the breastbone, often after eating, when lying down, or when bending over.
Regurgitation occurs when stomach contents flow back into the mouth, sometimes leaving a sour or bitter taste.
Other symptoms may include chest discomfort behind the breastbone, which can resemble heart-related chest pain, and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Some people with GERD also experience symptoms outside the esophagus. These may include a chronic cough, which may be associated with reflux, although other conditions can cause it; hoarseness or voice changes caused by irritation in the throat or around the vocal cords; and wheezing or asthma-like symptoms, which reflux may contribute to in some people.
GERD may also be associated with dental erosion, as repeated exposure to stomach acid can wear down tooth enamel. Frequent belching may occur alongside reflux, although it can have other causes. Some people experience globus sensation, a feeling of a lump or tightness in the throat, or upper abdominal pain, which can have several possible causes.
These symptoms do not automatically mean someone has GERD. A healthcare provider can help determine whether reflux or another condition may be responsible.
What Can Trigger or Worsen GERD Symptoms?
GERD symptoms can be influenced by eating habits, certain foods, and other health factors. Eating large meals and lying down shortly afterward can increase the likelihood of stomach contents flowing back into the esophagus.
Certain foods and drinks may also trigger symptoms, but these vary from person to person. Excess body weight, smoking, eating late at night, pregnancy, delayed stomach emptying, and a hiatal hernia may also contribute to GERD. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm.
Everyday Steps That May Help Manage Reflux
Some adjustments to your daily routine may make reflux less frequent:
- Eat smaller meals if large portions tend to cause discomfort.
- Wait about three hours after eating before lying down.
- Elevate the head of your bed if symptoms frequently occur at night
- Track food and drink triggers rather than eliminating foods without a clear reason.
- Include high-fiber foods, such as whole grains and vegetables, along with foods with high water content, such as cucumbers and celery.
- Talk with a healthcare provider about weight management or smoking cessation support when relevant.
Although these changes can make a difference, some people need medication or further evaluation to control their symptoms.
When Should You Talk to a Gastroenterology Provider?
It’s worth discussing your symptoms with a provider if you experience heartburn more than twice a week, symptoms that continue despite over-the-counter medication, or persistent throat or esophageal discomfort. Difficulty or painful swallowing, unexplained weight loss, and a decrease in appetite also warrant medical attention.
Chest pain that worsens with exertion should be evaluated promptly, as it may be heart-related rather than caused by reflux. Vomiting blood requires immediate medical attention. New or severe chest pain should not be assumed to be heartburn.
Getting Help for Ongoing Reflux Symptoms
Heartburn that keeps returning deserves attention, particularly when it begins interfering with everyday activities. Treatment may include lifestyle adjustments, medication, or additional testing, depending on the person’s symptoms.
If you have ongoing heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or other digestive concerns, talk with a qualified healthcare provider about your symptoms and treatment options.
To learn more about GERD and digestive health or to find a gastroenterology provider, visit GI Alliance.
