Everyone knows that the hallmark symptom of acid reflux is heartburn — that burning pain in the chest brought about by the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. It’s something that can bug you right after having a meal, especially one that consists of spicy and greasy foods. Heartburn also commonly strikes in the middle of the night.
Did you know that there are a handful of other symptoms associated with acid reflux other than heartburn? Knowing them allows you to have an idea that you need to seek the help of a doctor for this condition. Otherwise, a simple acid reflux may progress into gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, which may lead to what’s known as Barret’s esophagus. This is something that you don’t want to have because doctors say it increases your risk of having esophageal cancer!
Here are some of the lesser-known indicators that you may have acid reflux:
Nausea Seems to Bug You Constantly
There are many different health problem associated with nausea, and one of them is acid reflux. So if you cannot seem to figure out the root cause of your constant bout of nausea, consider having yourself checked for acid reflux — especially if it tends to strike right after having a meal.
You Have a Bitter Taste in Your Mouth
There are instances when stomach acid can make its way very high into the esophagus, reaching the back of your throat. This may leave you with a bitter taste in the mouth. Some people have a sour taste in the mouth rather than bitter.
There’s a Choking Sensation
Other than leaving you with an icky bitter or sour taste in the mouth, stomach acid reaching your throat may also make you feel like you are chocking. It can be very frightening to have this sensation together with chest pain, one of the symptoms commonly reported by acid reflux and GERD sufferers.
The Sound of Your Voice Changes
Hoarseness is one of the lesser-known symptoms of acid reflux, and this doesn’t really come as a surprise. Stomach acid going up your esophagus may irritate your vocal cords once it hits your throat. This can make your voice sound weak, breathy or husky, and the pitch may actually change.
It Feels Like You Have a Sore Throat
You may just be having a bout of acid reflux rather than going down with a cold if you feel that your throat is swollen and painful. It’s not unlikely for you to have a sore throat if you have severe acid reflux as a result of your stomach acid irritating your throat.
You Have a Coughing Fit
It is very much possible for stomach acid to get in your airway, causing the area to be irritated. This may leave you coughing most especially after having a meal which consists of foods that trigger your acid reflux.
You Have an Asthma Attack
Because of the coughing brought about by acid reflux, having an asthma attack may follow suit. In fact, a lot of people who have acid reflux have asthma, and a lot of people with asthma have acid reflux. According to some experts, your body constricts your airway to keep out acid reflux, and this leads to breathing problems.
Your Mouth Produces Lots of Saliva
The sight or smell of a delectable dish is not the only thing that can make your mouth water, but also acid reflux. The production of excessive amounts of saliva is your body’s way to get rid of an irritant in your upper digestive tract, in this case stomach acid. Saliva may accumulate in the esophagus, leading to what’s known as water brash.
