It may sound strange but there are thousands of people suffering from acid reflux or heartburn and they aren’t even aware of it. Some just think it is a mild inconvenience due to eating some spicy food and others just endure it without bothering to find out why their chest has a burning sensation.
This could be due to the fact that acid reflux symptoms vary in intensity and the symptoms themselves are ambiguous. So, it takes an informed person to discern the symptoms and realize that they have acid reflux.
This article will enlighten you on how to know with a high level of certainty if you have acid reflux. Of course, you may wish to consult a qualified doctor for a proper diagnosis. It is important to diagnose acid reflux early before it leads to something serious like Barrett’s esophagus which may result in cancer.
Do you have chest pain that seems severe? A pain that lasts a while and is intense?
Chest pain is never a good thing and should never be taken lightly. The pain could be caused by stomach acid that rises up into the esophagus and causes the burning sensation. Always consult a doctor when you have chest pain to determine the exact cause.
Do you experience heartburn when you bend over or lie down?
That’s another symptom of acid reflux. The acid which is at rest in your stomach tends to spill out into your esophagus when you bend over or lie down. It’s similar to water in a glass that will spill out if you tilt it beyond a certain angle. If you experience this symptom, you may wish to keep your stomach below your esophagus even when you are sleeping. You may wish to use two pillows to raise your upper body when you sleep or use a bed with an adjustable headrest.
Does a big meal give you a burning sensation in your chest?
It does? Then you probably have acid reflux. Just like dropping pebbles in a jug of water causes the water level to rise, eating huge meals will make your stomach acid rise up into your esophagus. Best thing to do is eat small meals that are healthy, not too fatty and eat a few hours before bed.
Sore throats that come and go after meals are a sign of acid reflux. Usually these sore throats do not have the usual flu symptoms such as colds or fevers.
Feeling nauseous? People with acid reflux often feel nauseas after meals. The strange thing about this symptom is that for a few people, this may be the only acid reflux symptom they have. Nausea for no apparent reason is usually an acid reflux telltale sign.
Is your voice getting hoarser? If the stomach acid that rises up your throat affects your vocal cords, your voice will get more hoarse and husky. You’re not getting sexier. It’s probably acid reflux. Time to visit the doctor and mitigate the symptoms.
These are a few of the common symptoms. There are others like cough, asthma, a constant bitter taste in the mouth, etc. that are all symptoms of acid reflux. If you’re unsure, the best thing you can do is see a doctor as soon as you can.