Acid reflux is a condition that occurs when the tube used to transport the food to the stomach from the throat is too weak and is not able to handle the acid, thereby producing some acid reflux symptoms. The food taken in is digested with the acid it produces and stores. The walls of the stomach should be strong enough for it to be capable of storing the acid without causing any damage. However, when the acid flows from the stomach into the esophagus, acid reflux occurs with different symptoms. Read on and learn about some of the acid refux symptoms.

Acid Refux Symptoms:

1. Heartburn – GERD or acid reflux is mainly characterized by heartburn, one of the primary acid reflux symptoms, often described as pain or burning sensation that radiates from the abdomen to the chest and throat. A certain medical study states that 75% of patients with acid reflux experience this symptom at night especially after they have engaged in certain activities such as:

• After eating a heavy meal;

• Lifting;

• Bending over;

• Lying down on the back

2. Dyspepsia – dyspepsia is said to be experienced by 50% of the patients diagnosed with acid reflux. Dyspepsia is related to the following:

· Pain and discomfort particularly in the upper part of the abdomen;
· Nausea after eating;
· Feeling of fullness

However, it is important to remember that it is possible to have dyspepsia without having acid reflux.

3. Regurgitation - this is the condition when the acid backs up in the throat. In some cases, the acid regurgitates up to the mouth and comes out as a "wet burp". In rare cases, the acid may forcefully come out as a vomit.

Less Common Acid Reflux Symptoms:

Acid reflux may also be characterized by some less common acid reflux symptoms which may possibly be localized in some areas of the body. Some of these are:

1. Chest Pain or Sensations - this is the sensation or feeling that the food is trapped and can't move from behind the breastbone. While this signals acid reflux, it is important to know that it is different from chest pain due to some heart conditions, like heart attack and angina.

2. Throat Acid Reflux Symptoms including the following:

• Acid laryngitis - this condition is characterized by dry cough, hoarseness, feeling of lump in the throat, and the need to clear the throat repeatedly

• Dysphagia (trouble swallowing) - in some cases, acid reflux may cause the patient to choke or have difficulty in swallowing the food, thereby causing severe chest pain.

• Persistent hiccups

• Chronic sore throat

3. Coughing and Respiratory Problems – Patients with acid reflux may also experience coughing and wheezing. As a matter of fact, around 40% of the cases of coughing in patients who do not smoke are attributed to acid reflux.

4. Chronic Nausea and Vomiting – if you have experienced nausea for more than a week or even for months, then you may have acid reflux symptoms. Under some circumstances, patients with acid reflux may vomit at least once a day. However, it is important to consult with your doctor to be properly diagnosed and rule out other possible conditions such as ulcers, stomach cancer, pancreatic or gallbladder disorders.