17 GERD Symptoms and How To Find Relief

If you experience frequent heartburn or chest discomfort after eating, you may be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This disturbingly common condition affects over 20% of people. The hallmark symptom of GERD is heartburn, but several other symptoms can also indicate you have reflux issues. Learning to recognize the signs of GERD is key to getting an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

What are the Symptoms of GERD?

GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus frequently and causes damage. This reflux happens because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle becomes weakened or relaxed. Normally the LES acts as a tight valve between the esophagus and stomach. But with GERD, it loses tone and inappropriately relaxes, allowing acidic stomach contents to rise up. Some occasional reflux is normal, but GERD causes distressing symptoms at least twice weekly. 

The most common symptoms of GERD include:

• Heartburn – A painful, burning feeling rising from the stomach into the chest and throat typically after eating. It can feel like chest pain.
• Regurgitation – A sensation of acid, food, or liquid coming back into the mouth, often with a bitter or sour taste.
• Dysphagia – Difficulty or feeling like food is stuck when swallowing.
• Chronic cough – Acid reflux can irritate the throat and lungs, provoking persistent coughing.
• Laryngitis – Frequent exposure to stomach acid causes inflammation and hoarseness of the vocal cords.
• Disrupted sleep – Nighttime reflux may wake someone from sleep.
• Dental erosion – Stomach acid damages tooth enamel over time.

Less common symptoms of GERD:

• Nausea
• Belching
• Water brash – Sudden excess saliva production
• Gastrointestinal bleeding – In severe cases
• Wheezing
• Recurrent pneumonia – Due to aspiration
• Asthma flare-ups
• Chronic sore throat
• Bad breath – From regurgitation

GERD symptoms can mimic other conditions like a heart attack, asthma, or upper respiratory infection. See a doctor if you have chronic discomfort to determine the cause. Keeping a symptom diary noting when and what you eat helps identify patterns.

What Causes the Symptoms of GERD?

GERD results from dysfunction of the LES that normally prevents backflow into the esophagus. But various factors can contribute to a faulty LES and reflux symptoms:

• Hiatal hernia – Part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest, enabling reflux.
• Pregnancy – Hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure relaxes the LES.
• Obesity and excess weight – Additional weight strains the LES muscle.
• Medications – Drugs like NSAIDs, calcium channel blockers, sedative, and antihistamines may worsen GERD.
• Smoking – Impairs function of the LES.
• Certain foods and drinks – Citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, alcohol, coffee, and others can trigger reflux.
• Large, heavy meals – Overeating expands the stomach and strains the LES.

When to See a Doctor About Symptoms

It’s important to consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Frequent, persistent heartburn and reflux – More than twice weekly.
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing that persists.
• Chronic cough or asthma not responding to treatment.
• Hoarseness lasting over two weeks.
• Disrupted sleep due to heartburn.
• Weight loss or loss of appetite from reflux issues.
• Blood present when vomiting.

Let your doctor know if you have risk factors like obesity, pregnancy, smoking, or a family history of GERD. Describe your full range of symptoms, even those that may seem unrelated to reflux. 

Your doctor can order tests to confirm GERD and check for complications. These may include endoscopy, biopsies, x-rays, pH monitoring, and manometry. Don’t rely on over-the-counter antacids. Seek an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

Treating the Symptoms of GERD

Several effective treatment options exist for managing GERD symptoms:

Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

Making healthy lifestyle changes is recommended as first-line treatment for GERD:

• Losing excess weight to reduce strain on the LES.
• Avoiding foods that trigger reflux like fatty/fried fare, caffeine, alcohol, citrus, and tomatoes.
• Quitting smoking, which impairs the LES.
• Wearing loose clothing.
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions.
• Remaining upright for 2-3 hours after meals.
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques.
• Sleeping on an incline with your head elevated 6-8 inches.

Medications

If lifestyle adjustments alone are insufficient to control symptoms, medications may include:

• Antacids neutralize stomach acid quickly but act fast.
• H2 blockers reduce acid production more long-term.
• Proton pump inhibitors or PPIs drastically limit acid production and provide extended relief.

Supplements

Natural supplements provide additional options to ease GERD discomfort:

• Calcium carbonate neutralizes excess stomach acid.
• Sodium bicarbonate helps maintain optimal pH balance.
• DGL, marshmallow root, and papain create protective coatings.
• Aloe vera, ginger, and papain have anti-inflammatory effects.
• Probiotics aid digestion and gut health.
  

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Surgery

Those with intractable GERD may benefit from procedures like:

• Fundoplication surgery to reinforce the LES.
• LINX device using magnetic beads to keep the LES closed.
• Stretta procedure that thickens LES tissue with radiofrequency.

By identifying problematic symptoms early and seeking treatment, GERD can be managed effectively. Most people find substantial relief through lifestyle measures, medications, and possibly surgery. Don’t ignore chronic heartburn or chest pain—consult a doctor to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Consistent management of GERD helps minimize painful flare-ups and prevent serious complications from reflux damage.