Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common digestive problems worldwide. In India, 20-30% of the population is said to suffer from the condition. GERD or acid reflux occurs when stomach acids constantly flow back into the esophagus, which is the tube that connects your mouth to the stomach. The repeated backwash irritates the lining of your esophagus, also called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This in turn causes several symptoms, which either can be eased down with natural remedies or need more intervention.
Heart is the most common symptom of acid reflux. It is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, right behind your breastbone. The painful sensation can travel from the lower part of the breastbone to the throat. It occurs when the acid from the stomach moves back up to the lining of the esophagus. This can last from several minutes to hours.
Regurgitation
If you have acid reflux, you're likely to experience regurgitation. Regurgitation is when undigested food accompanied by stomach acid travels back up from the stomach to the esophagus. This could make you burp and can leave a sour taste in your mouth. Overeating, exercising right after a meal or bending over after eating can cause this symptom.
Dysphagia
Dysphagia is a medical term for when you find it difficult to swallow. It feels as though your food is stuck in your throat or chest. This occurs because of the damage caused by the reflux to the esophageal tissues. The scar and inflammation caused to the tissues can narrow it down making it difficult to swallow any food.
Sore throat and hoarse voice
As discussed, acid reflux occurs when stomach acid moves back up into the esophagus. This can irritate the lining of the tube and the vocal cords, leading to a sore throat, a dry cough, and wheezing. This may also result in a hoarse voice.
Chronic cough
Chronic cough is a cough that lasts for weeks. While it is not a typical symptom of GERD, links between the two have been drawn by several studies. Although it is unclear as to what causes cough in GERD, Medical News Today shares two possible theories. The first mechanism suggests cough is said to occur as a "reflexive action set off by the rising of stomach acid into the food pipe."The second theory claims, "reflux moves above the food pipe and causes tiny droplets of stomach acid to land in the voice box or throat. This type of reflux is known as laryngeal pharyngeal reflux (LPR). LPR may lead to the development of a cough as a protective mechanism against the reflux."
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