Symptoms of GERD

There are many symptoms of GERD. GERD itself is a result of chronic acid reflux. Those who have GERD do not always have acid reflux but acid reflux it is a symptom of GERD, along with other symptoms.

The main symptom of GERD is heartburn, also known as acid reflux, even though not all people suffer from it. Heartburn is a severe burning pain that can start between the breast bone and radiate all the way into the neck. There are times when there is no burning, just pressure or sharp pains that can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack because the pain can be that severe. This symptom of GERD can also be felt in the middle of the back. The heartburn symptom of GERD can cause a sore throat from the acid that comes up into the throat. Most of the time the heartburn occurs after a meal, it can also occur when the stomach is empty. Heavy meals with a lot of grease will cause heartburn.

Another symptom of GERD is a dry cough. If a person has a dry cough that doctors cannot explain it can possibly be GERD. This cough is most prevalent at night when a person lies down.

Laryngitis is another one of the symptoms of GERD. The acid that rises into the throat and enters the larynx (voice box) can irritate it enough that a person will become hoarse. Sometimes a person who has GERD can be perfectly well, with no signs of a cold but wake up one day unable to talk.

The throat takes a lot of abuse from GERD. A sore throat is one of the symptoms of GERD. The throat becomes sore for the same reason a person becomes hoarse, the acid enters the throat which irritates it and makes it sore. If a person's throat becomes sore for no apparent reason it could be a sign of GERD.

The airways can also be affected by GERD. An asthma attack is another one of the symptoms of GERD. Acid stimulates the nerves that go to the lungs which can cause a narrowing of the small breathing tubes and cause an asthma attack. GERD can actually affect babies, if a baby has breathing problems that cannot be explained it one of the symptoms of GERD.

Another of the symptoms of GERD that people would not even think of is an earache.

Some people who have a lot of dental problem also suffer from GERD. The acid that comes up into the throat eats away at tooth enamel causing dental issues.

GERD causes the food to stop and not go all the way down into the stomach. Another one of the symptoms of GERD is a person feeling that there is a lump in his or her throat.

Nausea is another symptom of GERD. Some people actually even throw-up. Sometimes throwing up can actually make a person feel better because it empties the stomach taking the pressure off.

More severe symptoms of GERD are weight loss and dark stools. It is very important to see a doctor when the illness has reached this point.

It is best to see a doctor if any symptoms of GERD are present. The doctor can prescribe medicine to control the acid and help decide what the best medical treatment is for the illness. It is best to watch for symptoms of GERD to better be able to identify the illness.