GERD Symptoms

While some GERD symptoms (symptoms of reflux) may be obvious, other such gastric reflux signs may slip by less concerned individuals who are less attentive. Gastric reflux, commonly referred to as acid reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), is most easily identified when the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates into the esophagus.

More potent symptoms can involve regurgitation all the way back up into the mouth (the unpleasant “wet burp”). Untreated or mistreated GERD symptoms are the most common cause of Barrett’s Esophagus Symptoms.

This liquid inflames the lining of the esophagus, and if severe or frequent this liquid will do damage to the esophagus’s protective lining. The liquid contains acid and pepsin produced for digestion by the stomach. In some cases, the liquid may contain bile from a backed-up duodenum (the first twelve inches of your small intestine beyond your stomach).

While most medical researchers agree that the acid is the primary culprit, the role of pepsin — an enzyme the stomach uses to begin the digestion of proteins — isn’t yet fully understood.

Because the role of stomach acid in the process is more clear, GERD symptoms are often associated with sensations individuals would liken to burning (thus the term heartburn). Even minor cases of gastroesophageal reflux can lead to heartburn symptoms. In fact, most humans experience a little gastric reflux without developing a specific related condition.

Individuals who develop a clinical case of GERD symptoms usually have a higher concentration of acid in the reflux and the reflux tends to go higher within the esophagus.

Another set of symptoms of reflux can sometimes include the syndrome dyspepsia. Dyspepsia can include the following symptoms:

  1. Pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen.
  2. Fullness in the stomach.
  3. Occasional difficulty swallowing.
  4. Nausea after eating.

While symptoms of reflux by themselves aren’t necessarily indicative of a serious, life-threatening condition, it can lead to life-threatening conditions such as esophageal cancer after Barrett’s Esophagus (a precursor to esophageal cancer), so I recommend taking it seriously and seeking a medical professional if you experience these symptoms consistently for a relatively long period of time.

In addition, if you experience GERD symptoms, you might consider monitoring yourself for stomach cancer symptoms and stomach ulcer symptoms, as it isn’t uncommon for people to make the mistake of thinking they just have a little heartburn or a few symptoms of reflux when a more serious condition exists untreated.