Symptoms of GERD

Uncomplicated GERD presents with the following symptoms commonly:

• Heartburn: This is the commonest presentation of GERD. Patients often complain of burning pain in the middle of the chest region (retrosternal). The pain may also be present in the upper part of the abdomen and sometimes travels up to the throat. Occasionally the pain may be sharp or pressing instead of burning. The pain is worse after meals and can last up to a couple of hours. Symptoms may be worse on lying down.
• Regurgitation: The refluxed stomach contents may come into the throat or mouth and this may occur especially on bending or sleeping. There may be a feeling of ‘something stuck in the throat'.
• Respiratory symptoms: A dry cough, hoarseness of voice, bad taste in the mouth are other symptoms caused due to the regurgitation of the food.
• Occasionally patients may develop nausea (though this is not very frequent) and GERD should always be considered in patients who have unexplained nausea.
• GERD in children: In children, the common symptoms are vomiting, coughing, and other respiratory problems. Please click here to read more about GERD in children