5 Common Symptoms Of Acid Reflux Disease

Acid reflux disease is called by many different names including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and gastric reflux disease. Although there may be a little confusion about what to call this condition, there's no question about the variety of often painful symptoms that those with acid reflux suffer through. If recent studies are in any way close to accurate, there are more than ten million people in the U.S. alone who have some degree of reflux. That means that a large percentage of Americans face reflux symptoms every day. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments and remedies available that can ease the discomfort caused by many of the symptoms of this disease.

To truly understand reflux symptoms, you must first know what is happening to the body in a person that is battling this painful disease. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Normally the lower esophageal sphincter does the job of keeping all the acids from the stomach from coming into the esophagus. When this muscle unnaturally relaxes, it allows some of the stomach acids to back flow upward into the food pipe. This condition may be permanent or temporary. Prolonged exposure to stomach acids can severely irritate the lining of the esophagus and will eventually result in damage.

5 Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease:

1. Heartburn. The most prevalent symptom for those with reflux is heartburn. This is a painful burning sensation that is located behind the breast plate. Besides pain, many people also feel some strong pressure in that area as well. Heartburn is the result on the esophageal lining being damaged by the constant presence of gastric acid. People generally report higher incidents of heartburn soon after meals and later in the day.

2. Regurgitation. This is the feeling of stomach acid coming up into the mouth. Many people describe it as "throwing up into the mouth." Others see it more as a "wet burp."

3. Dyspepsia. This symptom involves pain and pressure in the upper portion of the abdomen, as well as the stomach feeling uncomfortably full. Some individuals even experience the feel of nausea after eating.

4. Dysphagia. People who are unfortunate to have this symptom of acid reflux have trouble swallowing. If they also experience pain while swallowing, they also have odynophagia.

5. Acid laryngitis. When enough of the stomach acid flows back into the upper areas of the esophagus, individuals with acid reflux may get this unique type of laryngitis. This will cause dry mouth, hoarseness, consistent coughing, and the desire to constantly clear the throat.

Millions of American suffer every day with the painful symptoms of reflux. The backflow of gastric acid into the esophageal tube and throat areas can cause mild irritation to permanent damage. Luckily, there are many options in the market that can relieve these reflux symptoms. Also, there are natural remedies that can help reduce the effects felt by those with this disease. These remedies include sleeping on one's side, eating smaller meals, and simply avoiding those foods that are known to trigger these common acid reflux symptoms.