Archive for Acid Reflux Symptoms

Indigestion Symptoms

February 22, 2012 HarrietC No comments

What are indigestion symptoms?

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia is a common problem and many people experience it from time to time. Indigestion is not a serious problem in itself but it could be a sign that there is an underlying health condition that is affecting the digestive system such as GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease)

Indigestion occurs when stomach acid comes into contact with the sensitive lining of the digestive system. The stomach acid breaks down the lining which causes irritation and inflammation which in turn causes the indigestion symptoms.

Indigestion, most o the time, is related to eating though it could be caused by other factors like taking certain medications or infection.

Indigestion treatment depends on its cause or causes. Treatments include various medications like antacids and changes to your lifestyle and diet. If an underlying health problem is the cause of indigestion, further tests or investigation may be required. Tests that can be performed to find out more about the causes of indigestion include endoscopy, a procedure where the inside of the body is examined using an endoscope. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube that has a camera and light on one end.

Before we discuss indigestion symptoms, let us first look at the possible causes of indigestion.

  • Medications – Some medicines like nitrates can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that closes the gullet to keep off stomach acid. Other medicines that can cause indigestion are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin.
  • Hiatus hernia – this occurs when a part of your stomach pushes up into your diaphragm stopping the LES from closing.
  • Peptic ulcers – an open sore that develops in the stomach lining or small intestine. Indigestion is one of the symptoms of peptic ulcer.
  • Stomach cancer – cancer cells in the stomach break down the protective lining causing acid to come in contact with the walls of the stomach. Indigestion is one of the symptoms of stomach cancer.
  • Obesity – being overweight can increase pressure in the stomach and can force the LES open exposing the esophagus to stomach acid.
  • GERD – Gastro-esophageal reflux disease is a common condition and is one of the main reasons why recurring indigestion is experienced. In GERD, the sensitive lining of the esophagus is damaged due to the repeated exposure to stomach acid.

Common Indigestion Symptoms

The main symptom of indigestion is heartburn; the burning pain felt behind the breastbone and is caused by the acid passing from the stomach to the esophagus.

Aside from heartburn, other indigestion symptoms include:

  • Belching
  • Feeling full
  • Regurgitation
  • Nausea
  • Bloating
  • Vomiting

Serious Indigestion Symptoms

Indigestion can be a sign of a more serious health problem that is still undiagnosed like stomach cancer.

Consult your doctor immediately if your indigestion problems are recurring and if you:

  • Are aged 55 or older
  • Have difficulty swallowing
  • Have iron deficiency anemia, a condition where the number of red blood cells are decreased because of not having enough iron in the body. Iron deficiency anemia causes breathlessness, an irregular heartbeat and fatigue.
  • Have gastrointestinal bleeding or bleeding in your intestines and stomach. A sign that you have gastrointestinal bleeding is having blood on your stools or vomit, breathlessness, dizziness and fatigue)
  • Have lost weight unexpectedly
  • Have persistent vomiting
  • Have a lump in your stomach

Now that you know the common indigestion symptoms, if you experience these regularly or if you have more painful than usual indigestion, seek medical help immediately.

Acid Reflux Symptoms, GERD, Indigestion

Acid Reflux Symptoms

February 13, 2012 HarrietC No comments

What are acid reflux symptoms? 

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES stops working properly. When the LES, which is the muscles that closes off the esophagus from the stomach, fails to close, acid from the stomach can seep or reflux into the esophagus, damaging the sensitive esophageal lining and causing that burning sensation called heartburn.

There are a number of reasons why the LES fails to close:

  • Large meals
  • Certain food types
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Peptic ulcers
  • Insufficient digestive enzymes
  • Pregnancy

The causes of acid reflux vary from person to person. For example, some people suffer from acid reflux after eating pasta with tomato sauce while others don’t. What triggers your acid reflux may not be the same as the next person’s trigger. Though causes vary, the treatment of acid reflux and heartburn are the same.

Acid Reflux Symptoms – What You Need To Know

Acid reflux has many different symptoms which can make the sufferer’s life really difficult. The most common acid reflux symptoms are the following:

  • Heartburn – this is also known as acid indigestion and it is a burning sensation felt in the chest. It also causes pain in the middle abdomen and throat. This symptom is usually felt after eating a large meal. About 20% of people experience heartburn at least once in a week. Heartburn is considered mild if it happens at least once a month, mild if felt at least once a week and severe if felt more than twice a week.
  • Dyspepsia – also known as indigestion, this is a feeling of fullness in the stomach which may come and go but is mostly there. Anyone can have dyspepsia. This acid reflux symptom can cause discomfort in the upper abdomen and it also causes difficult or painful digestion. Dyspepsia is caused by the malfunctioning of the muscular activities of the intestine or stomach or the nervous system.
  • Change in voice – this is one of the acid reflux symptoms that some people who suffer from acid reflux may experience. Their voice may become hoarse or unpleasant and the change can either be temporary or permanent depending on the extent of damage caused by the acid on the vocal cords. Severely damaged vocal cords can be repaired through surgery.
  • Regurgitation – this is one of the most common acid reflux symptoms where food is expelled back into the throat or mouth. The action produces a bitter or sour taste and it can also cause difficulty in swallowing.
  • Dry cough and breathing difficulties – breathing problems occur when the throat become inflamed due to acid reflux. Usually, the saliva is used to lessen the impact of these symptoms however certain habits like drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes lower the level of saliva. Aside from breathing problems, swallowing food and dry cough can also arise.
  • Chest pain – when acid refluxes, the acid from the stomach travels from the stomach to the esophagus to towards the chest causing pain. Of all acid reflux symptoms, chest pain is considered the most frightening and some people even mistake it as a sign of heart attack.

Now that you know the different acid reflux symptoms, it is now time to look into the various heartburn treatment options for you.

Acid Reflux, Acid Reflux Symptoms