GERD happens when gastric acid from your stomach backs up into your food pipe (esophagus). A muscle at the bottom of the esophagus opens to let food from the bottom of the esophagus into the stomach. And it closes to keep food in the stomach. This muscle is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
Over time the accumulation of acid in the esophagus can cause scarring which narrows the food pathway from the mouth to the stomach. These obstructions, called Strictures, can make swallowing difficult at times and lead to spasms which feel like symptoms of a heart attack.
When you have GERD (chronic acid reflux) your stomach acid persistently flows back up into your mouth through your esophagus. You may experience heartburn, acid indigestion, trouble swallowing, feeling of food caught in your throat and other problems.
GERD can be a problem if it's not treated because, over time, the reflux of stomach acid damages the tissue lining the esophagus, causing inflammation and pain. In adults, long-lasting, untreated GERD can lead to permanent damage of the esophagus.
Oxidative stress induced by reflux of gastric acid and duodenal fluid (bile acid and pancreatic juice) into the esophagus is associated with the development of inflammation and cancer.
Reflux symptoms can also include a weird feeling in your throat, chest pain, and more.
Heartburn-like pain is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but several other conditions can cause a burning feeling in your chest, including gallstones, stomach ulcer and esophageal cancer.
GERD can sometimes lead to Barrett's esophagus, a condition in which tissue that is similar to the lining of your intestine replaces the tissue lining your esophagus. A small number of people with Barrett's esophagus develop a type of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma link.
Less common symptoms of GERD can include painful swallowing, unexplained coughing, throat clearing, wheezing and chest pain. It's important to remember that GERD symptoms can sometimes mimic cardiac symptoms. So, if you experience chest pain of any kind, seek immediate medical attention to rule out anything serious.
Eating large meals or eating late at night. Eating certain foods (triggers) such as fatty or fried foods. Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol or coffee.
There is some evidence to suggest that stress and anxiety may provoke acid reflux or make the symptoms worse. For instance, a 2018 study involving more than 19,000 people found that those with anxiety were more likely to experience GERD symptoms.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic, recurrent disease. Reflux esophagitis can interfere with sleep via acid reflux, which can cause daytime sleepiness or fatigue.
It usually feels like a burning chest pain that starts behind your breastbone and moves upward to your neck and throat. Many people say it feels like food is coming back into the mouth, leaving an acid or bitter taste. The burning, pressure, or pain of heartburn can last as long as 2 hours.
People should contact a doctor if they suspect they have developed GERD, OTC antacids and H2 blockers are no longer controlling heartburn, or they have pain or difficulty with swallowing. People should also contact a doctor if their chest pain feels more like pressure, squeezing, or constriction rather than burning.
Heartburn is often due to gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This may not be related to joint pain and muscle cramps, which could be present at the same time due to other conditions.
Difficulty swallowing. Painful swallowing. Swallowed food becoming stuck in the esophagus, also known as food impaction. Chest pain, particularly behind the breastbone, that occurs with eating.
There is no one clear age where heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) see a specific spike, but it's a fact of life that heartburn does worsen as we get older.
Surgery for GERD may involve a procedure to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter. The procedure is called Nissen fundoplication. In this procedure, the surgeon wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus.