As you feel the burning sensation start to rise, you may start to regret the soda you drank before bed, or the cheese pizza you had for dinner. However, food and drinks aside, did you know there are other symptoms to look out for that may come as a surprise?
Pain while you rest: as you lay down to relax, the chances are the acid will flow into your esophagus. Gravity helps the acid stay in your stomach while you are standing; therefore, it is always recommended to lay or sleep with your head raised.
Chest pain: a classic symptom of acid reflux, as acid is entering the esophagus and causing a burning sensation. This is usually mistaken for a heart attack.
Bitter taste: acid can make its way into the back of your throat, which will cause a horrible, bitter taste. In extreme cases, this can cause choking.
Post-meal pain: if you notice you always feel pain after a meal, especially a big meal, it usually means you have overeaten and your stomach cannot handle the excess food. This means there is only one place for it to go – up! Be sure to eat smaller portions, and do not lie down right after you have eaten.
Croaky voice: the acid flowing into your esophagus can actually irritate your vocal cords. You may think you are getting ill, but in reality it could be acid reflux. This is a clear sign if you notice it happening after you have eaten.
Cough: if stomach acid enters you lungs, you are likely to suffer from a chronic cough and wheezing.
Excess saliva: this could be a sign of acid reflux, as it’s the body’s way of washing out the acid from your esophagus.
Difficulty swallowing: as acid enters the esophagus again and again, it will become damaged. The continuous cycle of it being damaged and healing will eventually cause scarring. This will cause swelling in the lower esophagus, resulting in the narrowing of the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow.
Look out for these unsuspecting signs the next time you suffer from acid reflux. If the symptoms become too overwhelming, make an appointment with Dr. Darido today, and get back on track with a healthy, acid reflux free lifestyle!