Symptoms of GERD

GERD symptoms range from mild, occasional discomfort to daily problems that disturb sleep and eating.

Typical symptoms

• Heartburn: a burning feeling behind the breastbone, often after meals, when bending or lying down
• Regurgitation: a sour or bitter taste as stomach contents rise into the throat or mouth
• Belching, bloating and a feeling of fullness
• Nausea in some people

Symptoms outside the food pipe

• Chronic cough, especially at night
• Hoarse voice and frequent throat clearing
• Sore throat and a feeling of a lump in the throat
• Worsening of asthma
• Wearing of tooth enamel and bad breath

Chest pain: do not assume it is reflux

Reflux can feel like heart pain. Chest pain with sweating, breathlessness, pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back, or dizziness may be a heart attack. Call 112 or 102 straight away.

Warning signs that need a doctor soon

• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Unplanned weight loss
• Vomiting blood or black stools
• Repeated vomiting
• Symptoms that began after age 50
• Symptoms despite regular treatment

Key point

Heartburn more than twice a week, or symptoms that disturb sleep, deserve a medical review rather than long-term self-treatment with antacids.

Before you see a doctor

Bring a list of all your medicines and supplements to the appointment, along with a note of when symptoms occur, what you ate, and whether they wake you at night. This helps your doctor choose the right tests and treatment without delay.

Speak to your doctor if symptoms keep returning, rather than relying on tablets alone for months.