Acid Reflux Symptoms To Watch For

The day started out like any other. I was enjoying my morning coffee when suddenly I wasn’t able to swallow. The resulting panic led me to spend the rest of my morning in the hospital emergency room, throat burning and feeling as though there was a lump in the middle of it. Hours later, the doctor assured me everything was fine and I was probably reacting to stress. Years later I was to realize that was the first of many acid reflux symptoms.

Although one of the primary indications of the condition is usually heartburn, my symptoms were most often related to my throat. Acid reflux usually starts as a burning sensation, moving up from the chest to the throat. Often symptoms are worse during the night. Since chest pain can be caused by a heart attack, it’s important to make sure that isn’t the case.

Often people with acid reflux feel nauseous after eating or uncomfortably full, even when little was eaten. I could sometimes feel the food coming back up into my throat, which is exactly what it was doing. For some reason, my stomach wasn’t closing properly after the food or liquid went down my esophagus, the tube from my mouth to my stomach. Up the food went again, burning my esophagus as it traveled. I even noticed I had a dry cough, chronic sore throat and my voice was hoarse.

Most people experience acid reflux symptoms after a heavy meal, when bending over or lifting, or when lying down – especially on their backs. Persistent hiccups and feelings of nausea after eating are also common.

After a number of trips to the doctor and assorted possible ailments, including stress and allergies, it was discovered that my symptoms were acid reflux related. There were a number of possible reasons for the condition. As I got older, my weight increased until I was slightly overweight. I ate bigger meals, too much fast food, and often rested on the couch after a meal. I didn’t get enough exercise, my clothes were getting too tight around the middle, and I was taking a number of prescription medicines – any of which could cause acid reflux. With all of those lifestyle factors, was it any wonder I was now suffering? Even the milk I had before bed every night contributed to my pain.

Now that I know the symptoms of acid reflux and the lifestyle changes and medications that can help, my days are much better. And the future looks brighter all the time.