About 20% of Americans experience acid reflux (GERD) regularly. While occasional heartburn is normal, frequent reflux can damage the esophagus, leading to Barrett's esophagus or esophageal cancer if untreated.
When to See a Doctor
⚠️ See doctor soonSee a doctor if heartburn occurs more than twice a week, disrupts sleep, or doesn't respond to antacids. Seek emergency care for: severe chest pain that may radiate to the arm or jaw (could be a heart attack, not reflux), difficulty breathing, or vomiting blood.
Common Symptoms
5 symptomsHeartburn
A burning sensation in the chest, behind the breastbone. Often worse after eating, lying down, or bending over. The hallmark symptom of GERD.
Regurgitation of food or acid
Sour or bitter-tasting fluid rising into the throat or mouth. Can happen without a trigger or during bending/lying down.
Chronic dry cough
Acid that reaches the larynx and upper airways triggers a persistent cough, often worse at night.
Hoarseness or sore throat
Stomach acid irritating the vocal cords causes morning hoarseness and a chronically sore or scratchy throat.
Chest pain
GERD can cause chest pain that mimics heart problems. Always get chest pain evaluated by a doctor to rule out cardiac causes.
Advanced Symptoms
2 symptomsDifficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Feeling like food is stuck in the throat or chest. Chronic acid exposure can narrow the esophagus over time.
Feeling of a lump in the throat (globus)
A sensation that something is stuck in the throat, even without swallowing difficulties. Related to acid irritation of the upper esophagus.
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