Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms

Acid reflux disease, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or gastric reflux, is one of the most common conditions seen in men and women alike. Acid reflux disease is a condition that occurs when the acid in the stomach oozes back in the esophagus due to certain abnormal conditions. In most of the cases, this occurs due to the improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter muscles. However, there are several other factors that can lead to acid reflux disease. Some of the common causes of acid reflux include diet and improper eating habits, smoking, alcoholism, diseases like hiatal hernia, obesity, etc. Although this is a temporary and non severe condition, it should be treated immediately before it turns chronic. Chronic acid reflux can place a person at a risk of suffering from stomach ulcer or esophageal cancer. Therefore, it is essential to identify the acid reflux disease symptoms immediately. Let us take a look at it in detail.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease

One should note that the terms heartburn and acid reflux are often used interchangeably, which is incorrect. Acid reflux is a disease while heartburn is a symptom of it. Heartburn, discomfort in stomach, sour taste in the mouth are the prominent acid reflux disease symptoms. Most of the acid reflux symptoms in men, women and children are similar, however, one may find slight differences in some of the symptoms. The following are the acid reflux symptoms in children and adults:

Acid Reflux Symptoms in Children
Irritability and constant crying are the acid reflux symptoms in toddlers that one needs to look out for. Infants and children may also experience pain in the chest and heartburn, however, they may not be able to explain these conditions. Apart from these, the following are the other acid reflux symptoms in babies and children:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Constant cough
• Stuffiness
• Wheezing

Acid Reflux Symptoms in Adults
The following are the acid reflux symptoms in women and men:

• Heartburn
• Chest pain
• Abdominal pain
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dyspepsia (Indigestion)
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Regurgitation

On the other hand, pregnancy is one of the most common conditions causing acid reflux disease in women. During pregnancy, the size of the uterus increases which exerts pressure on the digestive organs and also the lower esophageal sphincter muscles. This leads to acid reflux disease. Acid reflux symptoms in pregnant women are similar to those mentioned above. As nausea and vomiting are common symptoms experienced during pregnancy, they may be ignored. But, women should be careful and also look out for other acid reflux disease symptoms in order to diagnose and treat the condition quickly.

Acid reflux treatment includes use of medications like antacids, H2 blockers or PP inhibitors. In addition, having buttermilk or coconut water are also one of the best natural remedies for acid reflux. These medications and remedies help in providing quick but temporary relief from acid reflux disease symptoms. For permanent relief, it is essential to follow certain preventive measures. Firstly, one should follow the acid reflux diet to prevent the occurrence of acid reflux in future. Secondly, one should change one's eating habits and have meals on time, avoid eating excess spicy meals, especially at night. Also, reducing smoking and alcoholism can help prevent acid reflux, as it increases the acid in the stomach. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before going for any medications or making any dietary changes.

This was a brief information on acid reflux disease symptoms, causes and treatment methods. Lastly, as a concluding note, it can be said that it is possible to keep this condition at bay by making simple changes in one's diet and lifestyle. Take care!