Acid Reflux Symptoms Afflict Millions of Americans Each Day

Acid reflux syndrome, also known as gastro esophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a medically treatable digestive disorder which can cause pain and agony to those who are quite unlucky enough to suffer from it. Many people are confused with this so-called acid reflux syndrome, due to the fact that most of them mistakenly identify this as heartburn, or indigestion, until now. According to studies, there are millions of Americans who are now suffering from this syndrome and more and more are being diagnosed every single day. But unlike many other diseases, this one will target every person, regardless of age or gender.

In most cases, the acid reflux symptoms are related to the back up of acid and other materials down from the stomach into the esophagus acid reflux. While the symptoms of acid reflux disease may be unpleasant, it should be noted that these symptoms may not happen after every meal or everyday. It is possible that these symptoms may disappear for a few weeks and then eventually come back again. In fact, acid reflux symptoms at night time can cause poor sleep and pauses in breathing during sleep to those afflicted with it.

Some symptoms of GERD are enumerated below:

Chest Pain and Heartburn

Contrary to the belief of many, heartburn is not the cause but it is the most common symptom of acid reflux disease. But it is not related with the heart, despite its name, as some confuse this with heart attack. Acid reflux and chest pain are some of the most common associations. It is an unpleasant burning sensation inside the chest, caused by the regurgitation of gastric acid.

Regurgitation

Another common acid reflux disease symptom is regurgitation wherein the reflex acts of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth occurs. It happens when the stomach acid and other contents flow back to the throat and mouth. The person who suffers from this symptom usually experiences a bitter taste and a burning sensation inside the throat.

Barrett's Esophagus

Named after the British surgeon Dr. Norman Barrett, this condition refers to the repeated acid reflux occurrence that can cause changes to the lining of the esophagus. As a matter of fact, about 10% of Barrett's Esophagus cases will develop into esophagus cancer. Patients who suffer from Barrett's Esophagus should go through regular examinations and should get frequent and aggressive treatment.

Odynophagia or Dysphagia

Dysphagia refers to the condition where swallowing is painful. This medical term is derived from two Greek words ‘dys’ and ‘phagia’, defined as ‘disordered or difficulty’ and ‘to eat’, respectively. One who suffers from this kind of symptom usually feel that the food is "stuck" somewhere inside the esophagus. Odynophagia refers to severe pain on swallowing due to a disorder of the oesophagus. The pain can be so strong that the sufferer may become afraid of eating.

Dysphagia and odynophagia are two symptoms of a chronic acid reflux, which usually happens after the reflux has been going on for a long period of time.