Acid Reflux Symptoms
December 10, 2009 by admin
Filed under Acid Reflux Causes
While there are numerous possible acid reflux symptoms, the affection tends to manifest itself in a remarkably similar way in most cases, especially considering that it affects people of all races and ages, including infants.
In order to explain why that happens, we need to understand that the human organism works in the same way, regardless of the patient’s race or age. In this situation, we are concerned with the digestive system. The food passes from the mouth through the esophagus, and from there into the stomach through the lower esophageal sphincter – a band of muscles acting like a valve, which lets the food pass from the esophagus into the stomach, and at the same time blocking the way back.
Sometimes, the patient’s lower esophageal sphincter is faulty – and that means that the contents of the stomach are able to pass back into the esophagus, where they start attacking the esophageal tissue, causing the acid reflux symptoms.
As stated, in most cases the symptoms are very similar – studies have shown that 70% of the patients present the same symptoms or slight variations, while the remaining 30% are diagnosed with atypical acid reflux symptoms.
Among the typical symptoms of this affection we can include heartburn, dyspepsia, regurgitation, etc. Heartburn is manifested as a burning pain in the patient’s esophagus, in the lower part of the chest. Studies have shown that 75% of the patients experience heartburn at night, and the night-time pain is generally more severe than during the day.
Dyspepsia (feelings of pain and distress, nausea and the sensation of having a full stomach) is present in almost 50% of the GERD cases. However, this symptom can be an indication of another underlying disease. It is best to discuss your symptoms with your doctor and undergo a detailed examination to determine the medical condition you are suffering from.
Regurgitation is a process through which the gastric contents are forced out of the stomach, through the esophagus and pharynx and back into the oral cavity. When this symptom is present, it’s likely that the disease has already reached an advanced state, and the risk for complications is significantly higher.
There are numerous instances when the acid reflux symptoms are atypical or extraesophageal. These can be further classified as: respiratory symptoms, throat symptoms and nausea and vomiting.
Some examples of throat symptoms include hoarseness and dry coughs, as well as the feeling of carrying a lump at the base of the throat. While similar to the symptoms caused by acid laryngitis, a thorough examination will reveal the true nature of the affection. In some cases, dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) may be present as well, along with persistent hiccuping and throat soreness.
Respiratory symptoms include wheezing and coughing, caused by the gastric acid or its vapors entering the tracheobronchial system.
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