Everyone has been plagued with heartburn after an especially rich, fatty or acidic meal, or even from just eating too much. However, few people know that heartburn is actually a symptom of Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Caused by acid and food refluxing back into the esophagus, GERD should not go untreated as it can lead to cancer in serious cases.
Check out these symptoms that could reveal you have GERD and not just a nasty case of heartburn:
1. Your Heartburn Won’t Go Away. We all can recognize and name the burning feeling we get in our chest, but if the burn persists from meal-to-meal, it can be a symptom of GERD.
2. Your Throat is On Fire. When bile and food are refluxed out of your stomach, your throat will feel like it’s on fire – and may even leave your throat feeling sore. If you’re experiencing this kind of pain, chances are you’re also experiencing a bitter taste in the back of your throat. These symptoms should not be ignored as they can cause esophagitis or esophageal ulcers, among other issues.
3. You Have Issues Swallowing. Do you constantly feel like you have a lump in your throat? If so, you may have dysphagia, where you have trouble swallowing or getting food stuck in your throat.
4. You are Coughing More. Sometimes respiratory issues, including coughing and chest congestion, are symptoms of GERD due to acid getting into your lungs that has come up your food pipe. Voice hoarseness can also be a symptom.
Combined, these symptoms point towards GERD. Instead of self-diagnosing, see a specialist like our team at IBI Healthcare Institute for treatment and tips to lessen discomfort. For more information, please visit our website or call 678.466.6760.
