3 Common Chronic GERD Symptoms- What You Need to know

What is GERD?

GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when the stomach acid travels back into the esophagus causing irritation to the lining of the esophagus. The acid reflux is caused by the abnormal function of lower esophageal sphincter muscles or valve which fails to close properly causing the acid from the stomach to travel back to the esophagus.
Some people experience GERD a few times a week but some suffer from it daily. It is more prevalent in pregnant women and elderly people are more prone to complications. Some people can tolerate the discomfort but chronic GERD if not treated can cause damage to the esophagus leading to bleeding, inflammation, ulceration and esophageal stricture or narrowing of the esophagus.

What are the common chronic GERD symptoms?

Heartburn. One of the chronic GERD symptoms that is really disturbing is heartburn. It is a burning pain in the chest and throat ranging from mild to severe that usually occur after eating a meal. Although it is called heartburn, the pain has nothing to do with the heart. It is a pain from the esophagus and chest or under the sternum due to the malfunction in the digestive system. Lying down or bending make it more painful.

Regurgitation. Another chronic GERD symptom is regurgitation or the reflux or moving up and down of the stomach acid in the chest and the throat and sometimes as far as the mouth causing sour taste or vomit-like taste.

Dysphagia. This is the difficulty of swallowing which is a sign that there is a problem with the throat or esophagus. Frequent or chronic acid reflux can cause ulcers and scars in the esophagus making it narrower thus resulting to difficulty in swallowing. Dysphagia is one of the common chronic GERD symptoms that most sufferers have to watch out for.

Many people suffering from GERD do not seek medical attention but just self-diagnose and self-treat. It is important to seek medical attention once you’ve experienced chronic GERD symptoms. Over the counter medications may work for a while but for chronic symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention before it’s too late. Severe GERD could lead to more serious esophageal damage from erosive to ulcerative esophagitis. It is best to seek treatment before it becomes too late.