GERD Symptoms

Posted: July 1, 2005

The main symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) include:

• Persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation
• Pain in the chest
• Hoarseness in the morning
• Trouble swallowing (You may feel like you have food stuck in your throat or like you are choking or your throat is tight.)
• Dry cough
• Bad breath

What are the long-term complications of GERD?
Sometimes GERD can cause serious complications. Inflammation of the esophagus from stomach acid causes bleeding or ulcers. In addition, scars from tissue damage can narrow the esophagus and make swallowing difficult.

Some people develop Barrett's esophagus, where cells in the esophageal lining take on an abnormal shape and color, which over time can lead to cancer.

Also, studies have shown that asthma, chronic cough, and pulmonary fibrosis may be aggravated or even caused by GERD.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

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