12 Signs of Acid Reflux that are Often Ignored, Along with Ways to Overcome Them

Kapanlagi.com - Acid reflux is often felt by most people. It is often considered trivial. However, this should be treated immediately to avoid more serious problems. And to treat it, you need to know the signs of acid reflux.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, is a condition where there is a burning sensation in the chest due to the upward movement of stomach acid to the esophagus. GERD occurs when stomach acid rises back into the esophagus, which can irritate the esophageal lining. It is important to recognize the signs of acid reflux so that you can address it properly.

If these signs of acid reflux are ignored, there is a risk of damage to the stomach lining. Unexpected complications may occur in patients. Therefore, when experiencing acid reflux, improve your lifestyle, eating habits, and consult with a specialist. Now, as reported by liputan6.com, here are 12 signs of acid reflux and how to overcome them.

1. Burning Sensation in the Chest or Heartburn

Characteristics of acid reflux (credit: Freepik)

The first characteristic of acid reflux is a burning sensation in the chest or heartburn. This first characteristic is often felt by those who are suffering from acid reflux. You will feel a burning sensation like being on fire in the middle of the chest when experiencing heartburn. The burning sensation usually starts from the stomach and can spread to the neck and back.

Not only can a burning sensation occur, but a sensation like being stabbed with needles can also happen. Because it is similar to angina, this symptom of acid reflux can cause panic. Heartburn usually occurs after eating, lying down, and bending over. When acid reflux occurs, the tissues along the walls of the esophagus will experience irritation due to this acid.

2. Sore Throat

Then another characteristic of acid reflux is throat inflammation. These characteristics of acid reflux are what make sufferers also complain of dry cough. Then there is persistent throat pain that does not improve. If examined, someone who experiences acid reflux can show a reddish condition of the throat wall. This of course can be very dangerous and must be addressed immediately, KLovers.

3. Dyspepsia

Symptoms of acid reflux (credit: Freepik)

Not only throat inflammation, the next characteristic of acid reflux is dyspepsia. Dyspepsia is a common medical term for an uncomfortable stomach condition. Dyspepsia is also a common characteristic of acid reflux. The rise of stomach acid can be marked by a bloated stomach, upper abdominal pain, nausea after eating, and frequent belching. Heartburn or dyspepsia is divided into three types, namely:

a. Ulcer-type dyspepsia. If the dominant complaint is pain in the upper abdomen.

b. Motility-type dyspepsia. If the dominant complaint is bloating, nausea, and feeling full quickly.

c. Non-specific-type dyspepsia. If the complaint is not clear to be classified into one of the above types.

4. Chronic Cough

If you experience a chronic cough, it may be one of the symptoms of acid reflux. This is because the stomach acid that rises to the esophagus is believed to be inhaled into the lungs. This is what is thought to be the correlation between chronic cough and symptoms of acid reflux.

5. Headache

Headache (credit: Freepik)

Yes, besides that, for those of you who often suffer from acid reflux, you must understand that headache becomes a symptom of acid reflux. Although mild or extreme headaches can indicate a number of different health problems, many people with acid reflux often experience migraines or headaches. Symptoms of acid reflux can cause sinus disturbances that trigger headaches. Headaches caused by GERD are usually accompanied by other symptoms of acid reflux.

6. Bad Breath

Not only because of cavities, it turns out that bad breath can also be caused by the characteristic of acid reflux. If you already feel routine brushing your teeth and cleaning your mouth but still have persistent bad breath, this can be a sign of acid reflux. Bad breath caused by acid reflux is caused by the movement of stomach contents into the esophagus.

It can also be caused by imperfect chewing of food, which causes food to rot in the stomach and causes a foul smell. Acid reflux that rises back into the esophagus and mouth can trigger an unpleasant aroma in the mouth, not just a sour or bitter taste.

7. Excessive Saliva

Signs of Acid Reflux (credit: Freepik)

When someone has excessive saliva, it can be a sign of acid reflux. Stomach acid can enter the throat, causing the mouth to produce more saliva. The saliva that comes out usually tastes more acidic than usual. Sometimes it can make the mouth uncomfortable and emit a foul odor from the stomach.

In rare cases, people with acid reflux can produce as much as two teaspoons of saliva per minute. This is a response to the acid reflux that irritates the esophagus. So, this should be taken into account so that acid reflux does not worsen.

8. Hoarse Voice

Not only does it cause sore throat and chronic cough, but acid reflux can also cause a hoarse voice. This is because stomach acid can enter the vocal cords, causing chronic inflammation.

Signs of acid reflux, as known, can cause chronic hoarseness and affect speech. Often, people try to eliminate hoarseness by constantly clearing their throat. But this can actually worsen the throat and worsen the problem.

9. Difficulty Swallowing and Choking

Symptoms of acid reflux (credit: Freepik)

Acid reflux often causes dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. This chronic condition of acid reflux can cause narrowing of the esophagus, making it difficult for someone to swallow liquids and solid foods. This is because chronic acid reflux creates a sensation of something blocking the throat.

Therefore, for those with acid reflux, pay attention to eating habits and the right time to consume food. Eating late will trigger the risk.

10. Nausea and Vomiting

If you have experienced nausea and vomiting, it can be dangerous for your body, KLovers. Sometimes, there is no food intake and suddenly you feel nauseous and vomit clear or yellow fluid that tastes very bitter. The feeling of nausea in the stomach is caused by severe pain in the stomach and chest. As a neutralizer, you can take antacid medication.

11. Regurgitation

Regurgitation (credit: Freepik)

Another symptom of acid reflux is regurgitation. Regurgitation is a sour and bitter taste caused by the upward movement of acid and felt in the back of the mouth or throat. Simply put, this symptom of acid reflux is similar to burping, but the air that comes out is accompanied by a little bit of vomit.

12. Bloating

Then the last characteristic of acid reflux that you need to pay attention to is feeling bloated. Food that stays in the digestive system for too long and is not immediately digested results in increased gas production.

This is called The Acid Reflux, which causes your stomach to feel bloated after consuming food. If left untreated, this characteristic of acid reflux will cause you to burp frequently and experience heartburn.

13. How to Deal with Acid Reflux

How to overcome acid reflux (credit: Freepik)

After knowing the characteristic of acid reflux, you need to know how to deal with acid reflux. Dealing with acid reflux can be done naturally, one of which is by avoiding consuming foods that cause acid reflux, such as alcohol, soda, excessive coffee, or tea. In addition, there are several other ways to deal with acid reflux, including the following:

1. Eat more regularly

2. Pay attention to portion sizes

3. Chew food properly

4. Avoid drinking too much water while eating

5. Avoid acidic, spicy, and fatty foods

6. Limit chocolate intake

7. Reduce consumption of carbonated drinks

Those are the 12 characteristics of acid reflux and the appropriate ways to handle them. Hopefully, by knowing these characteristics of acid reflux, you will understand it better and not neglect it.

(kpl/dhm)