Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, the tube connecting the stomach and throat. What does acid reflux feel like? Common sensations associated with acid reflux include persistent coughing, heartburn, and feelings of nausea.
Source: Acid reflux is an incredibly common condition, often accompanied by heartburn.
Experiencing occasional acid reflux is generally not a cause for alarm. However, if symptoms occur two or more times per week, it could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a digestive disorder where the esophagus fails to close properly.
Read on to learn what acid reflux feels like and the importance of managing symptoms and receiving appropriate treatment.
10 Signs and Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Here are nine common symptoms of acid reflux:
1. Heartburn
Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux, it feels like a burning sensation in the chest, especially after eating. This sensation extends from behind the breastbone to the lower throat. Sometimes, it can feel like sharp chest pains, resembling symptoms of a heart attack. It's crucial to seek medical attention if you experience severe chest pain.
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid moves upward towards the throat. It commonly arises after meals, particularly after consuming large, heavy meals. Certain items like alcohol, coffee, tomato sauce, chocolate, and spicy foods are known triggers for heartburn.
2. Nausea
Nausea can accompany acid reflux, often leading to a sour taste in the mouth caused by stomach acids. This sensation, coupled with frequent burping and coughing, may result in vomiting. Increased stomach acid due to irritation of the esophagus and throat can contribute to nausea.
Source: Nausea is a sensation or feeling of unease and discomfort in the stomach
Nausea can occur independently or alongside other symptoms like heartburn, bloating, and belching. Persistent nausea could indicate GERD or other underlying health issues.
3. Regurgitation
Regurgitation occurs when stomach contents flow back up through the esophagus and into the throat and mouth. This regurgitated material may include undigested food, stomach acid, and sometimes bile, which appears yellowish-greenish.
It can feel like a warm, burning liquid accumulating in the throat and the back of the mouth, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Frequent regurgitation might indicate GERD and may lead to irritation of the stomach, esophagus, and throat lining.
4. Persistent Cough
Frequent acid reflux can cause irritation to the esophagus, larynx, and voice box due to exposure to stomach acid. This irritation may lead to a chronic cough, wheezing, and other breathing difficulties. While a chronic cough is often associated with GERD, occasional acid reflux can also trigger coughing.
5. Hoarse Voice
Repeated exposure to stomach acid can impact the voice box, leading to discomfort while speaking, a sore throat, and changes in voice. Hoarseness is typically more noticeable in the morning and tends to improve throughout the day.
6. Difficulty Swallowing
As stomach acid travels up through the esophagus and into the throat, it may irritate and potentially damage the larynx. The larynx plays a crucial role in breathing, speaking, and swallowing.
Difficulty swallowing is a common occurrence in individuals with GERD. This digestive disorder can affect the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), located between the esophagus and the back of the throat. GERD may also cause heightened sensitivity of the esophagus to stomach acid, resulting in swallowing difficulties.
7. Chest Pain
Source: Chest pain is alarming, especially if you don’t know the cause
Chest pain from acid reflux is a burning sensation behind the breastbone, often after eating. It may feel sharp or dull and can be mistaken for a heart attack. It's crucial to seek medical attention if chest pain persists or worsens.
8. Vomiting
In cases of severe acid reflux, individuals may experience nausea, which can progress to vomiting. The sensation of feeling sick to the stomach is often accompanied by an urge to vomit, leading to the expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
Vomiting due to acid reflux typically occurs as a result of the irritation and inflammation of the stomach and esophagus caused by the refluxed stomach acid. It can be particularly distressing and uncomfortable for those affected.
9. Sore Throat
Repeated exposure to stomach acid as a result of acid reflux can lead to irritation and inflammation of the throat, resulting in a sore throat. The acidic nature of the refluxed stomach contents can cause irritation to the delicate tissues lining the throat, leading to discomfort and pain.
Individuals with acid reflux may experience symptoms such as a scratchy or raw feeling in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness of voice. The persistent irritation from acid reflux can exacerbate throat discomfort and may require medical intervention to alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage to the throat lining.
10. Frequent Asthma Attacks
Asthma and acid reflux are often found together, although the exact relationship between the two conditions remains unclear. Acid reflux can potentially trigger bronchospasm, which involves the tightening of the muscles lining the airways. This bronchospasm can exacerbate existing asthma symptoms and lead to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
If acid reflux is the trigger, you may notice that your asthma symptoms worsen after meals, when lying down, or during physical activity. While asthma can be managed effectively with medicated inhalers, it can pose serious risks if left untreated. Seeking medical attention is important to ensure proper management and control of both asthma and acid reflux symptoms.
When to See the Doctor About Acid Reflux
You should visit a doctor if your acid reflux becomes bothersome and affects your daily life. While not life-threatening, untreated acid reflux can lead to serious complications.
If left untreated, Acid reflux can cause chronic inflammation in the esophagus, resulting in the following conditions:
- Esophageal Stricture: This occurs when damage from stomach acids leads to the formation of scar tissue in the lower esophagus. The scar tissue narrows the food pathway, causing difficulty in swallowing.
- Esophageal Ulcer: An esophageal ulcer develops when stomach acid erodes the lining of the esophagus, leading to sores. These ulcers may bleed, causing pain and difficulties with swallowing.
- Barrett’s Esophagus: Damage to the lower esophagus tissue caused by stomach acid can trigger changes that increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Conclusion
Experiencing occasional heartburn after a large meal is often more of a nuisance than a serious issue. However, persistent and chronic acid reflux may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The primary signs of acid reflux typically involve heartburn and regurgitation. Additional symptoms may include coughing and challenges with swallowing.
If you find yourself experiencing frequent or severe symptoms, it's advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. They can provide appropriate evaluation and recommend suitable management strategies.
