Signs and Symptoms of GERD

As much as seven percent of the population of the United States suffers from the effects of GERD. The band of tissue and muscles at the bottom portion of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter is responsible fro opening as food enters the stomach. It then closes to keep anything from flowing back into the esophagus. But when this muscle relaxes when it shouldn't, it can allow a reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Once there, the harsh actions of stomach acids can eat away at the lining of the esophagus, which does not have the same thick mucous protection found in the stomach. Factors that cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax prematurely include smoking, alcohol consumption, overeating, lying down too quickly after a meal and certain medications.

Severe heartburn is the most easily recognizable symptom of GERD. Large numbers of people will experience bouts of heartburn on occasion, in which stomach acid in the esophagus results in a burning feeling in the upper chest area beneath the breastbone. However, someone with GERD will have chronic heartburn that has damaged the esophagus. This feeling will be strongest after meals and when lying down. The heartburn may cause a sour taste in the person's mouth as they regurgitate stomach acid. It can bring about chest pain and a burning sensation in the throat region. It can be hard to swallow with heartburn from GERD and the individual may develop a sore throat or be hoarse when he tries to speak.

In severe cases of GERD, the person can have the sensation that something is actually lodged in the back of her throat or at the bottom of the esophagus when there is nothing there. The esophagus may bleed and the person can feel as if she is choking. Coughing is not uncommon with severe GERD and the chest pain that goes with the heartburn can be extreme. The person may also become short of breath as the GERD interferes with her breathing.

There are other signs and symptoms that a person has GERD. He may frequently belch and suddenly make excessive amounts of saliva, a condition that is called waterbrash. His gums can become swollen and inflamed. The stomach acids constantly being in his esophagus and coming up into his mouth can even erode the coating of enamel on his teeth. When they wake up in the morning, people with GERD can be hoarse.

A small percentage of people with GERD can develop a complication called Barrett's esophagus. This occurs when the lining of the esophagus is replaced by tissue similar to that found in the intestinal region. More common in men than in women, Barrett's esophagus normally is found in people over the age of 60. It can lead to a deadly form of cancer called esophageal cancer. The condition affects as many as 700,000 adults in the United States but it often goes undiagnosed.