Symptoms of reflux disease

The symptoms of reflux disease come from acid and stomach contents irritating the food pipe and sometimes the throat and airways. They vary in strength and often appear after meals, when bending forward or when lying down.

Typical symptoms

• Heartburn, a burning feeling behind the breastbone that may rise toward the throat.
• Regurgitation, a sour or bitter taste, or food and liquid coming back up into the mouth.
• Burping and a feeling of fullness or bloating after eating.
• Nausea, especially after large or fatty meals.

Less obvious symptoms

• Chronic dry cough, hoarse voice or frequent throat clearing.
• A feeling of a lump in the throat.
• Sore throat in the morning.
• Worsening asthma or night-time cough.
• Tooth enamel wear and bad breath.
• Chest discomfort that is not caused by the heart.

Symptoms that need prompt medical review Difficulty or pain when swallowing, food sticking, unintended weight loss, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, anaemia, or heartburn that begins after age 50 may signal a complication or another condition. A doctor may recommend an endoscopy.

Emergency note Chest pain with sweating, breathlessness, dizziness or pain spreading to the arm, back or jaw should be treated as a possible heart attack. Call emergency services (112 in India) rather than assuming it is acidity.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Ayurveda describes burning sensation, sour belching and thirst as signs of increased Pitta, sometimes called amlapitta. This is a traditional description that can help you notice patterns, and it does not replace a medical assessment of persistent symptoms.

Remember Occasional heartburn is common. Frequent, persistent or alarming symptoms deserve a proper check.