Symptoms and Complications
The main symptom of GERD is heartburn, a burning pain behind the breastbone that can travel to the back of the throat. The pain can last up to two hours and is often worsened by eating, lying down, or bending over.
Because heartburn and a heart attack have similar symptoms, it is important to note their differences. For someone having a heart attack, burning pain may travel progressively down the left arm or both arms. For someone with GERD, the burning pain is localized to the upper chest. In addition, exercise may worsen chest pain for someone having a heart attack (or someone with heart disease), while rest and certain medications may help to relieve it. On the other hand, the burning pain associated with GERD is usually not affected by physical activity. In any case, even people with characteristic features of GERD may require tests to ensure the symptoms are not being caused by a heart attack.
Other symptoms of GERD include regurgitation (swallowed food or liquid going back up into the throat or mouth), a sour or bitter taste in the throat or back of the mouth, excessive saliva, belching, upset stomach, or vomiting. People who inhale the reflux acid may experience coughing, hoarseness, or wheezing. Symptoms of GERD are generally worse after meals.
If GERD is not well managed, other complications can arise over time. These include:
- esophageal strictures (scarring of the lining of the esophagus) that reduce the diameter of the esophagus, making swallowing difficult
- esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) that can make swallowing painful
- pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat), which affects the vocal cords and can alter a person's voice and speech
- dental problems such as an increased risk of cavities or tooth damage due to acid reflux
- asthma, especially in adults
- Barrett's hyperplasia or Barrett's esophagus, which occurs when abnormal healing takes place after an ulcer has destroyed an area of the esophageal lining. (The usual lining is replaced with tissue like that found in the stomach or intestine. People with this condition may be at a higher risk of developing cancer of the esophagus over time.)