Common Symptoms of Gerd Heartburn - Reducing Symptoms
Heartburn occurs in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when stomach acid refluxes into their esophagus which then activates nerves in the esophagus, causing the sensation known as heartburn. It creates a burning feeling in the chest area and sometimes it can also be felt in the throat. Some people with GERD feel a sharp pain as opposed to a burning sensation. Occasionally, people experiencing heartburn believe they are having heart pain and this can be quite upsetting and traumatizing.
Common symptoms of GERD heartburn occur after a person has a meal. For some people, heartburn is a problem they have to deal with for their whole lifetime. There is usually a period where it repeatedly occurs or the intensity increases and this can occur for weeks or months before the attacks and the intensity dissipate.
Other factors that contribute to acid reflux and the common symptoms of GERD heartburn include the quantity and the type of liquids that reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, the stomach not functioning normally while in the emptying process and the esophagus not clearing out properly. Sometimes the ring of muscle located around the lower end of the esophagus does not open and close at the appropriate times or a person's saliva is not properly neutralizing stomach acid.
Typical Heartburn Symptoms
Heartburn occurs behind the heart thus the term heartburn. People experiencing common symptoms of GERD heartburn may have to deal with food and liquid moving up from their stomach and into their throat and occasionally to their mouth. They typically experience a bitter taste in their mouth when this occurs. Other common symptoms of GERD heartburn include belching, temporarily loosing the ability to speak, a chronic cough and problems swallowing. Heartburn is typically not considered to be a serious condition, however for people who have continual heartburn or severe heartburn, health problems can occur.
Medications for Heartburn
Antacids are available that are effective in neutralizing stomach acid and reducing the common symptoms of GERD heartburn. However, antacids are not very successful at helping people who have severe heartburn. Ask your doctor about the category of drugs that act to prevent acid reflux from happening. Theses drugs work by increasing the tightness on the barrier between your esophagus and stomach, while some are designed to improve the body's capability of emptying out the stomach.
Medications are also available that reduce the amount of stomach acid being produced. While you don't get the quick relief you can obtain with antacids this type of medication will stop or reduce acid reflux for numerous hours after taking the medication. If you experience the common symptoms of GERD heartburn it is a good idea to consult with your doctor.
