Chronic heartburn is one of the most common problems that can be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Although there are many different types of GERD, chronic heartburn is the most common complaint associated with this condition. While some symptoms of GERD can be associated with other diseases, symptoms of heartburn are unique to the condition.
When stomach contents move back up into the esophagus, an acid reflex occurs which causes the lining of the upper esophageal sphincter, also known as the lower esophageal sphincter, to relax in an abnormal manner, allowing stomach acids to enter the esophagus. If excessive tissue damage exists, the patient is considered to have erosive or esophagitis GERD. The presence of no obvious tissue damage associated with GERD is called non-erosive GERD
Chronic heartburn is more common in adults than children and affects about half of all people at least once within their lifetime. A common symptom of GERD is a feeling of heartburn that usually occurs after a meal has been consumed. Other symptoms of heartburn include regurgitation or reflux of acid from the stomach, pain when swallowing, nausea, sore throat, hoarseness, and fatigue. If these symptoms occur after a meal, they may be an indicator of GERD, but chronic heartburn symptoms can also be caused by several other conditions, including certain types of cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gallstones, ulcers, food allergies, and kidney disease.
Mild GERD can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications, but serious or life-threatening conditions may require a medical evaluation. Some medications, such as antacids and acid suppressants, should never be used due to the possibility of further acid build-up in the stomach. Proton pump inhibitors are commonly prescribed for those with severe GERD, but they have potential for addiction. Other effective treatments for heartburn include alginate and proton-pump inhibitors, which reduce or eliminate the activity of both the stomach and the proton pump, allowing the patient to have more acid refluxes and heartburn relief.
Another condition that can mimic the symptoms of GERD is pneumonia, which can result from acid reflux, belching, coughing, or hoarseness. Patients experiencing chest pain and dizziness that worsen over time may be suffering from pneumonia. Chest pain, hoarseness, and dizziness are also symptoms of heart failure and should be evaluated by a physician. Other serious conditions such as heart valves damaged due to blockages from smoking or certain types of cancer are warning signs that the condition may be more serious.
Heartburn symptoms can be mild or severe, but the most common complaint is frequent heartburn attacks, which often occur several times a week. Mild GERD can produce mild symptoms such as a burning sensation in the chest and throat, while others cause symptoms such as extreme nausea and vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and a burning feeling in the abdomen. Severe GERD can result in chest pains, excessive saliva, difficulty breathing, hoarseness, and vomiting. Most patients experience at least two symptoms of GERD, but half of those experience three or more. If you have more than three of these symptoms, your doctor should evaluate you immediately for a possible diagnosis of GERD and find ways to treat it. Left untreated, GERD can lead to more serious conditions such as esophageal cancer.
