Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms – Knowing Your Body
More and more patients are suffering from acid reflux disease with every passing year. Acid reflux is the abnormal travel of stomach acid into the esophagus and most commonly occurs after eating. Acid production is a normal process for our stomach to properly break down food particles we ingest. In a normal digestion process these broken down particles are pushed into the intestines for further digestion and absorption into the body.
However, patients who suffer from acid reflux disease have extra acid that acid and sometimes food particles move upward and into the esophagus causing the “heartburn” sensation. Smoking, alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, fatty, greasy foods, pregnancy and obesity are some but not all contributing factors of acid reflux conditions. According to modern research on acid reflux disease and symptomatology, these symptoms hit women as regularly as men. Infants and children are not excluded either. It has also been said people 40 and over are more likely to develop symptoms than the younger adults.
Acid reflux disease symptoms are many. Research tells us approximately 70% of patients diagnosed experience typical symptoms that could include:
Heartburn:
A painful, burning sensation in the upper chest. Sometimes the pain may also affect the neck and throat area as well. The acid that refluxes into the esophagus is an erosive chemical. The stomach has a protective lining, however the esophagus is not equipped with a defence mechanism to prevent erosion. Probable causes for heartburn pain are heavy meals, lifting and bending, and lying down immediately after eating. One particular study indicates these symptoms are experienced at night for 75% of patients. These nighttime acid reflux sufferers tend to experience a great deal of pain, often times much more severe than during other times.
Dyspepsia:
Researchers relate dyspepsia occurs in about half of those afflicted with acid reflux disease. Upper abdominal pain and postprandial nausea are two common indicators of this symptom, along with a fullness in the stomach area. Keep in mind though, dyspepsia can occur in those who do not have an acid reflux disease diagnosis.
Regurgitation:
This particularly uncomfortable symptom happens when food particles are forced up to the pharynx and even as far up as the mouth, along with that painful stomach acid. In some cases, this has been felt contributory to respiratory complications and exacerbations of asthma.
Many times a patient with acid reflux disease does not experience the symptoms related above and instead has a more atypical manifestation. These symptoms could include:
Throat Symptoms:
Although not common, some patients may suffer from severe throat symptoms. Hoarseness, dry cough, or even a lump sensation in the phargyneal area can occur. These patients might also have a difficult time swallowing, also known as dysphagia. Of the more serious complications, a patient might even experience food trapping in the throat which can result in a choking spell and severe chest pain. Persistent hiccups has also been noted in some patients.
Nausea and Vomiting:
Chronic nausea and vomiting are indicators of a stomach problem. Nausea may relentlessly be present for long durations, and vomiting spells might occur on a daily basis.
Respiratory Symptoms:
Bronchotracheal irritation caused from acid reflux could cause worsening asthma symptoms and other pulmonary illnesses. Acid works as a bronchial tube constrictor and as a result, could complicate or create respiratory issues.
If gone untreated, acid reflux disease might continue on for as long as the patient allows. Prescription medications are available, however most are recommended only for short periods of time and only treat symptoms. After drug treatment has stopped the acid reflux disease symptoms might return and further pharmaceutical intervention may be required.
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