Heartburn and GERD

Last updated September 2009
Edited by: Guy Slowik, FRCS

What Are The Symptoms Of GERD?

Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. It feels like a burning chest pain right behind the breastbone. Pain may move upward toward the throat. It often is worse after meals. Bending over or lying down also may make heartburn worse. Standing up may bring relief. Heartburn often occurs after going to bed at night.

Other GERD symptoms include:

  1. Burping-up, or regurgitation, of sour-tasting, acidy material into the mouth.

  2. Difficult or painful swallowing.

  3. Sore throat, hoarseness, and/or cough.

  4. Wheezing in people with asthma   A condition in which the small airways in the lungs are inflamed and become narrow when the person is exposed to something to which he or she  is sensitive, causing difficulty in breathing..

GERD also occurs in young children who may have the same symptoms as adults but cannot describe them. The only noticeable symptoms in infants and children may be vomiting, coughing, wheezing or other respiratory problems, and failure to gain weight normally.

Need To Know:

GERD symptoms can resemble those of a heart attack or other heart disease. The symptoms may also be similar to those of an ulcer   A break in the skin or in the mucous membrane lining the digestive tract, which may become inflamed.., gallstones, or pancreatitis

Your doctor's examination, and special investigations if needed, will identify the cause of the symptoms.

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