Top GERD SymptomsGERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs due to a relaxation in the LES, lower esophageal sphincter, which allows the acid in the stomach to enter the esophagus. Sometimes GERD is also referred to as acid reflux disease. If GERD symptoms are not treated in time then it can lead to long-term damage to the esophagus from the corrosive digestive acid. The commonly experienced of GERD symptoms is the heartburn, or burning sensation behind the chest and a pain, both of which spread upwards towards the back of the mouth, neck, and shoulders. Though heartburn is itself quite common, it is counted among GERD symptoms when it occurs more than twice per week for three months. GERD symptoms can last for as long as 2 hours or even more. Though most often reported immediately after eating, some patients have also reported that GERD problems can occur at night when they lie down to sleep. Chest pain, another of the GERD symptoms, is often mistaken for a cardiac problem. Though they are not related it is prudent to visit the doctor for a check up if chest pain occurs. GERD chest pain is almost indistinguishable from a cardiac arrest because of the proximity of the pain and this misleads patients into thinking they are going into cardiac arrest when the problem is only GERD. The United States alone has 61 million adults that suffer from heartburn, the major symptom of GERD. Though in most cases the heartburn condition is temporary and happens rarely, there are enough cases where chronic heartburn is overlooked, just because it is common, when in fact it should be taken very seriously as an indication of GERD. An unchecked GERD condition can lead to other complications like peptic strictures, laryngitis, chronic cough, ulcers, asthma, and adenocarninoma. GERD itself can vary in severity and the more severe cases can result in persistent and rapidly recurring heartburn that is untreatable with over the counter relief medication. There are cases where even acid suppression therapy has failed to keep the acid from entering the esophagus. There are several warning signs indicative of severe GERD development and they include iron deficiency anemia, early satiety, dysphagia, odynophagia, gastro intestinal bleeding, vomiting, choking, inexplicable weight loss, and chest pain. Always get yourself checked for GERD in case you feel heartburn or any other GERD symptoms. GERD treatment focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and also curing any lesions that may have formed. Treatment must always be accompanied with other factors like weight and diet control so that the lifestyle is preventative. The sooner GERD is detected and cured the lesser damage is incurred by the esophagus. |