Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where stomach acids move back up the throat and cause discomfort and other symptoms such as burning sensations in the chest and throat.
Common warning signs of acid reflux include:
• Heartburn: An uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest or throat that is often worse after eating.
• Regurgitation: A sour or bitter taste in the back of the mouth.
• Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased salivation
• Coughing or wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Bad breath
• Sore throat
• Unexplained chest pain
• Feeling like there is a lump in your throat.
It is important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms as they can be associated with other conditions. The doctor might recommend that you take medications to ease the symptoms of acid reflux or make changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Table of Contents
How do you know if your acid reflux is serious?
The most common symptom of acid reflux is a burning sensation in the chest, usually after eating. Other symptoms can include a sour taste in the back of the throat, difficulty swallowing, feeling a lump in the throat and chest pain.
If you experience these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor as they could indicate a medical condition.
Other symptoms may also be considered serious, such as regurgitating food, black stools, chronic cough or hoarseness, nausea, vomiting or weight loss. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor as they may indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Other serious conditions that can be associated with acid reflux include ulcers, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.
In some cases, the acid reflux can lead to other medical problems, such as chest pain, laryngitis and asthma. If your acid reflux is accompanied by any of these other symptoms, contact your doctor and discuss a course of treatment.
Depending on the severity and duration of your symptoms, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, medications or further testing to diagnose and treat your condition.
When should you go to the ER for acid reflux?
If you are experiencing severe symptoms of acid reflux, such as difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or vomiting, then it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. While it is possible to manage mild acid reflux at home, more severe symptoms can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Seek medical care if your symptoms are not relieved by over-the-counter medications or if there is an increase in pain or other symptoms. Additionally, if you are having any serious adverse reactions to medications for acid reflux, you should receive medical attention immediately.
Other symptoms of severe acid reflux that should be evaluated in the ER are weight loss, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, persistent nausea, persistent coughing, or persistent hoarseness. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor or go to the ER for evaluation.
What can happen if acid reflux goes untreated?
Left untreated, acid reflux can have a number of long-term consequences, some of which may be serious. Over time, stomach acid, bile, and other stomach contents that creep up the esophagus can damage the lining of the esophagus, leading to inflammation, scarring, and more.
Persistent inflammation and scarring from untreated acid reflux can even lead to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus.
It is important to note that these conditions can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Many of the more serious complications of acid reflux, such as narrowing of the esophagus (strictures), issues with swallowing (dysphagia), severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, allergic reactions, and even pneumonia, can be made worse by untreated acid reflux.
In extreme cases, untreated acid reflux can even cause anemia due to the excessive amount of the stomach acid the body is exposed to.
In order to avoid these long-term consequences, it is important to be mindful of your symptoms and make sure to seek medical help if they become unmanageable. Making lifestyle changes such as avoiding trigger foods, quitting smoking, and controlling stress can be an effective way to reducing symptoms.
Your doctor may also recommend medications that can help reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces and lessen the occurrences of acid reflux.
How long does acid reflux take to heal?
The duration of acid reflux healing can vary greatly, depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Mild cases of acid reflux, which may include occasional heartburn, may improve with lifestyle changes like avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and avoiding eating before bed.
Additionally, moderate exercise can help improve digestion, reducing stress and easing symptoms of acid reflux.
For more severe cases of acid reflux, your doctor may recommend medications like antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors to reduce the amount of acid production in the stomach. These medications work by neutralizing acid and reducing acid production in the stomach, helping to relieve symptoms and preventing further damage to the esophagus.
Additionally, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and keeping an upright position for three hours after eating, as well as not eating before bed.
They may also recommend elevating the head of your bed, which can help reduce reflux symptoms while you sleep.
The duration of healing and improvement of acid reflux symptoms varies from person to person and depends on the severity of the condition and how well treatment is working. However, typically, acid reflux should start to improve within a few weeks of implementation of treatment and lifestyle changes.
Additionally, your doctor may recommend periodic check-ups to monitor your condition to help ensure that symptoms are well-controlled.
When does acid reflux get worse?
Acid reflux can get worse when you lie down after eating, when you consume certain foods or beverages, when you’re stressed, or when you wear tight-fitting clothes. Lying down after eating can raise the risk of reflux because stomach acid can rise more easily into the esophagus.
Foods and beverages that may increase reflux include spicy, fatty and fried foods; tomato-based foods; citrus fruits and juices; beverages containing caffeine or alcohol; and chocolate. Stress has been linked to increased production of stomach acid and slowed digestion, which either can aggravate reflux symptoms.
Tight clothes can press on the stomach and cause reflux symptoms, especially if worn around the waist. Additionally, some medications can irritate your esophagus or relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which separates the esophagus from the stomach and prevents reflux.
Such medications can include antidepressants, antihistamines, aspirin and some painkillers.
What is the difference between acid reflux and GERD?
The terms acid reflux and GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) are often used interchangeably and it can be difficult to know the difference between the two. Generally, acid reflux is when the acid and stomach contents move back up the esophagus, causing irritation and heartburn.
GERD is a more severe, chronic form of acid reflux which can cause inflammation of the esophagus and other complications, such as narrowing of the esophagus due to scarring. While lifestyle changes, such as dieting, chewing gum after meals, or avoiding trigger foods can help reduce symptoms of acid reflux, GERD is typically managed through medication or surgery.
How do you reset acid reflux?
Resetting acid reflux can be accomplished by making lifestyle and dietary changes, using natural remedies, or taking medications.
To reduce high acidity levels that may contribute to reflux, it is important to make lifestyle and dietary changes. Try to sleep with your head slightly elevated to help prevent stomach acid from flowing back up into your esophagus.
Reducing your intake of foods and drinks known to cause acid reflux, including fried, spicy, and acidic foods, can be helpful in preventing symptoms. Eating smaller meals, spaced throughout the day, may also be beneficial.
Using natural remedies such as chamomile, peppermint, ginger, and turmeric may help to reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Consider adding these spices to your meals or drinking a tea made with them. Slippery elm and licorice root are also known to help reduce stomach acid.
If natural remedies and lifestyle changes are not enough to ease the symptoms of acid reflux, your doctor may recommend medications. Proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, and antacids are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for acid reflux.
It is important to discuss the potential side effects of medications before starting a new regimen.
How do I know if I have acid reflux or something else?
If you are experiencing symptoms of acid reflux, it is important to get evaluated by a medical professional to determine what the underlying cause is. Common symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation of food or liquid, and difficulty swallowing.
However, it is possible to have other conditions with similar symptoms. If you suspect you may have acid reflux, consult your doctor about your symptoms and any concerns you have.
Other conditions that can have similar symptoms to acid reflux include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and gallbladder disease, among others. Symptoms of GERD can include regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing, while peptic ulcers can cause heartburn and chest pain.
Additionally, gallbladder disease may cause indigestion, nausea, and severe abdominal pain.
To confirm the diagnosis, your healthcare provider may order diagnostic tests such as an endoscopy or blood tests. An endoscopy can help determine if you have an ulcer, while a blood test can reveal the presence of an infection or inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract.
Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as cutting back on certain foods, or medications to help manage your symptoms.
Do Tums help with acid reflux?
Yes, Tums can help with acid reflux. Tums contain the active ingredient Calcium Carbonate, which is a antacid that can help neutralize stomach acid and relieve the discomfort of acid reflux. Taking Tums after meals and at the first sign of heartburn can reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.
Additionally, since Tums is a type of antacid, it can help to reduce the amount of stomach acid, which can reduce the frequency of acid reflux. Furthermore, Tums also contains ingredients like alginates and calcium carbonate, which can also help to form a protective barrier in the stomach to reduce acid reflux.
While Tums may not be a cure for acid reflux, it is an easy and safe way to provide relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of acid reflux.
Can acid reflux make you feel sick?
Yes, acid reflux can make you feel sick. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest. The burning sensation that is felt is often accompanied by nausea, coughing, belching and a sour taste in the mouth.
Over time, acid reflux can even cause damage to your esophagus and increase your risk for conditions such as Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. Additionally, acid reflux can make it difficult for you to eat certain foods, as certain foods can make the symptoms of acid reflux worse.
While antacids and lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms of acid reflux, consulting your doctor is the best way to ensure that it does not progress and lead to more serious health problems.
What are the symptoms of too much acid in your stomach?
The most common symptom of too much acid in the stomach is a burning sensation in the abdominal area. This is usually felt in the mid-upper abdomen and can often come with a gnawing or gnawing-like sensation that is worse when the stomach is empty.
Other symptoms associated with too much acid in the stomach include bloating, belching, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, and feeling full after eating only a small amount. In some cases, too much acid in the stomach can cause damage to the esophagus, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and may also cause difficulty swallowing.
In severe cases, too much acid in the stomach can lead to an ulcer. If left untreated, an ulcer can cause serious complications. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms associated with too much acid in the stomach.
Can you feel unwell with acid reflux?
Yes, it is possible to feel unwell with acid reflux. Acid reflux, also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), occurs when the acidic stomach content flows back up into the esophagus, causing discomfort or a burning sensation in the chest and throat.
Common symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn, chest pain, dry cough, bad breath, sore throat, and regurgitation. Acid reflux can also cause abdominal pain, bloating, difficulty swallowing, a feeling of something stuck in the throat, and a sour taste in your mouth.
If left untreated, acid reflux can lead to more serious problems that can affect your overall health, such as esophageal inflammation, ulcers, and Barrett’s esophagus. Seeking medical help and making lifestyle changes, such as avoiding food and drinks that trigger reflux, managing stress, and avoiding late-night eating, can help reduce the risk of feeling unwell from acid reflux.
Can acid reflux damage your stomach lining?
Yes, acid reflux can damage the stomach lining. Stomach acid, which is extremely acidic, can irritate and damage the lining of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Over time, acid can erode the lining, causing a condition called esophagitis.
This can lead to a wide range of symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, irritation in the throat or chest, and regurgitation of food and liquids. In severe cases, stomach acid may also cause ulcers in the lining of the stomach, and can even damage the lining of the small intestine.
Additionally, excessive stomach acid can cause inflammation of the stomach lining, which can lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
How do I know if my esophagus is damaged from acid reflux?
In order to know if your esophagus is damaged from acid reflux, you should look out for certain common symptoms. These include: difficulty swallowing, chest pain, persistent sore throat, hoarse voice, indigestion, bitter taste in the mouth, regurgitation of food or liquids, persistent chest or abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should speak to a doctor as soon as possible to determine if your esophagus is indeed damaged. Your doctor may need to do an endoscopy or an imaging scan to get a closer look at your esophagus and determine if there are any signs of damage.
Additionally, your doctor may also recommend several lifestyle and dietary changes to help minimize the occurrence of acid reflux and protect your esophagus from further damage.
