The Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) is a ring of muscles at the end of the esophagus that relaxes to allow food to move from the esophagus into the stomach. Acid reflux occurs when the LES relaxes too much and allows the stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. This article lists a few common symptoms of acid reflux. Experiencing these symptoms more than twice a week can point toward Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

1. Chest or abdominal pain
Pain associated with GERD usually starts behind the throat, breastbone, or sternum and spreads to the back. One may also experience tightness or discomfort in the middle or upper part of their abdomen. While the pain may not last long, it is a warning sign that should not be ignored. It’s also important to note that a heart attack may sometimes be confused with GERD pain. So, it’s best to seek immediate medical attention if one is unsure about the cause of their chest pain.

2. Throat irritation
The acids that flow back from the stomach irritate the lining of the esophagus and lead to hoarseness. The irritation can also cause dry cough, and persistent coughing can result in a sore throat.

3. Trouble swallowing
Chronic acid reflux can cause throat irritation and lead to swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia, in severe cases. It can cause scar tissue to develop in the esophagus and narrow it. One may also experience other symptoms like coughing or choking while eating. Persistent swallowing trouble could be a sign of an underlying condition like esophageal cancer, so one should consider getting themselves examined by a physician.

4. Foul breath
Stomach contents flowing back into the throat or mouth can lead to bad breath. It is caused by the backward flow of undigested food, stomach acids, and regurgitated bile.

5. Wheezing
Stomach acid can inflame the windpipe and interfere with breathing. Additionally, esophageal acidity may trigger the vagus nerve, which signals the lungs to tighten, causing GERD wheezing. It’s advisable to schedule an appointment with the doctor to get evaluated for GERD if one experiences difficulty breathing at night or hears a whistling sound while breathing.

6. Vomiting
Acid reflux or GERD can cause frequent burping and coughing, which can lead to vomiting or nausea in some people. If left untreated, the frequent reflux of stomach acids can also damage the teeth over time.

7. Sleep issues
Heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms at night can cause sleep-related problems like insomnia, sleep apnea, or daytime sleepiness due to lack of proper sleep at night.

Leaving the condition untreated can lead to serious complications, so people who experience acid reflux frequently must take notice of the problem and discuss the symptoms with a doctor for proper evaluation.