10 symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux – See a doctor immediately

Gastroesophageal reflux is a common disease that can occur at any age. There are many causes of the disease and when the disease occurs, the symptoms are quite vague, so many people are subjective. However, over time, the disease progresses, causing many dangerous symptoms and complications. To recognizegastroesophageal reflux symptoms early, let’s learn with My Auris through the following article. 

What disease is gastroesophageal reflux?

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) – this is a condition in which part of the food and fluid in the stomach reflux into the esophagus. The esophagus is an organ connected to the mouth and stomach. The stomach secretes gastric juice to help digest food, however, the wall of the esophagus is not designed to resist this acid. Therefore, when this fluid rises, it will irritate the esophageal mucosa, causing esophagitis, leading to a burning and uncomfortable feeling. If not treated promptly, it will damage the esophagus and cause many dangerous complications. 

Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in the early stages are often faint and difficult to recognize. Furthermore, heartburn and belching are typical symptoms of gastric reflux, but none of these symptoms can be accurately diagnosed because they are sometimes confused with normal physiological phenomena. Therefore, everyone should learn carefully so that they can promptly examine and treat the disease as soon as possible. 

Heartburn, belching 

This is the earliest and most recognizable symptom of gastric reflux. When the lower esophageal muscle is relaxed or weakened, it will cause gas and gastric juice to reflux into the esophagus. This causes belching, belching, heartburn and a burning sensation in the epigastric area. 

This sign often appears in the morning or after eating. Sometimes occurs when bending forward. 

Nausea and vomiting

People with gastroesophageal reflux easily experience nausea or vomiting after eating too much. And this symptom also appears when the patient lies down immediately after eating. Nausea manifests most clearly when the feeling of food being choked in the neck, causing obstruction and discomfort for the patient. 

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms that are easily confused with many other diseases, so when you have symptoms, see a specialist for examination and more accurate diagnosis. 

Bitter mouth and bad breath – Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux

Bitter mouth and bad breath are also one of the common symptoms of gastric reflux. This condition is caused by bile from stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus mixed with bile. When bile mixes with acid reflux due to neurological and gastric motility disorders, it will cause the pyloric valve to open abnormally. From there, bile overflows and mixes with stomach acid. 

Pain in the epigastric area 

Pain in the epigastric area is a symptom of gastric reflux that makes many people uncomfortable because there is a feeling of constriction or compression in the chest as well as surrounding locations. When stomach acid refluxes, it causes irritation to the nerve endings on the surface of the esophageal mucosa. From there, it causes pain in the epigastric area.

Excessive salivation

When you have gastroesophageal reflux thick, the patient may feel the mouth secreting more saliva than usual. The secretion of a lot of saliva to neutralize acid in the stomach.

Difficulty swallowing – Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux

When the esophagus is severely damaged, it leads to swelling, even edema, which will make the patient feel choked, difficult to swallow, or stuck in the neck. 

Above are some gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in the early stages. In case the disease is prolonged, many other symptoms will appear such as:

• Pneumonia: gastric juice refluxes into the esophagus, throat, and can also spill into the pleura, causing infection. 
• Dry cough: acidic fluidWhen it comes into contact with the larynx area, it causes inflammation, causing the larynx to become damaged and swollen. This causes a hoarse voice, a persistent dry cough, and difficulty swallowing. 
• Asthma: this is a common symptom in people with gastric reflux, often appearing at night. 
• Prolonged abdominal pain: unexplained, prolonged abdominal pain accompanied by symptoms of black stools, so be careful because this could be stomach bleeding. 
• Sudden weight loss: when suffering from stomach pain, the patient will feel anorexia, loss of appetite, vomit after eating, poor digestion, etc. Over time, the patient will lack nutrition and the body will lose weight quickly. 

You should see your doctor for a check-up and examination early. Depending on the patient’s condition, the doctor will have appropriate diagnostic methods. 

• Gastroesophageal endoscopy: this is the most common diagnostic method in examining the stomach. The method not only accurately diagnoses the condition but can monitor mucosal damage. 
• X-ray: indicated method for cases of difficulty swallowing due to persistent esophageal stricture. 
• Clinical examination based on esophageal pH within 24 hours: if after endoscopy and X-rays do not accurately diagnose the cause and severity of the disease, the doctor will prescribe pH monitoring for 24 hours.

Hopefully, through the information in the article about gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in the article, it will help people understand the symptoms of the disease. From there, to protect your health better, if you detect symptoms, you need to see a doctor early to promptly control the disease and prevent dangerous complications.

Anh Thy