Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux

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In Adults

Heartburn and regurgitation are the most common symptoms of acid reflux in adults. Other symptoms may include chest pain, increased salivation, sore throat and difficulty in swallowing. GERD, the chronic condition of acid reflux can injure the esophagus manifested in such diseases as esophagitis where the esophagus lining is damaged and esophageal strictures where the inflammation caused by persistent acid reflux constricts the esophagus. The esophageal injury throws up other symptoms like frequent throat clearing leading to hoarseness, cough, sinusitis, asthma and dental erosion.

The burning sensation or heart burn, the most common acid reflux symptom, occurs mostly at night for most of the patients suffering from this disease. The condition of heartburn follows after a heavy meal or during such activities as lying on the back, bending over and lifting. Heartburn however does not necessarily mean damage to the esophagus. Dyspepsia is common among heartburn patients manifesting in the form of stomach fullness, upper abdominal pain and nausea after food. Regurgitation causes the food to come to the mouth or even vomiting.

In Children

Sometimes the babies are found crying inconsolably when they are laid down. GERD may be the reason for the pain that causes them to cry or wake up from sleep. Acid reflux in infants and children show symptoms akin to adults like cough, nausea and breathing problems though the disease is often more difficult to detect than in adults. Once afflicted with GERD, the child loses appetite, does not gain weight, becomes irritable and suffers from continuous crying, bad breath and burping. In this condition, the bowel movements of the babies are affected causing them to suffer either from constipation or frequent loose stool. For some, the symptoms persist even after the babies are able to sit or stand.

Not So Common Symptoms

A sensation that food is stuck in the chest causing pain is one of the less common symptoms. Respiratory problems and laryngitis are other less common symptoms.