Heartburn-Easing Foods That Fight GERD
The most common—and most painful—symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is persistent heartburn. Heartburn is caused by stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus, the narrow tube that connects the throat and stomach. Everything from a big meal to stress can trigger acid reflux.
Heartburn isn?t the only symptom of GERD, however. The condition can also cause a cough and difficulty swallowing, for instance.
It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of GERD. Left untreated, the condition can cause ulcers and erode the esophagus.
To find out more about GERD, check out the following information from our
A–Z Health Library.
The main symptoms of
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include:
- Persistent heartburn. Heartburn is an
uncomfortable feeling or burning pain behind the breastbone. It may occur after
you eat, soon after you lie down, or when you bend forward.
- A sour or bitter taste in the mouth. The backflow
of
stomach acid and juices into the esophagus may cause this sour or bitter taste.
Heartburn caused by GERD is
usually felt within 2 hours after you eat. If your heartburn lasts for several
hours—for example, all night—you may have severe GERD. Some people
have GERD without heartburn.
Other symptoms of GERD may include:
- Chest pain. This may be a dull, heavy
discomfort that spreads across the chest. This chest pain may occur with
heartburn and may be confused with the pain of a heart attack. For more
information on chest pain and heart attack, see the topic
Chest Problems.
- Hoarseness.
- Trouble swallowing. This is
more common with advanced GERD.
- A feeling that you have something
stuck in your throat.
- A cough.
- Having extra saliva.
- Nausea.
Last Updated: May 11, 2011 
