Symptoms Of Acid Reflux

Excessive Burping

Burping is the body's natural response to increased air in the stomach. It is common to burp a few times during or after a meal, as extra air is swallowed during the chewing and moving of food through the esophagus and into the stomach. Excessive burping, however, can be indicative of acid reflux disease. As acid pushes up from the stomach into the esophagus, it irritates the esophageal lining, which tends to cause an individual to burp to relieve the irritation. Because the presence of acid in the esophagus is frequent in those with acid reflux, excessive burping occurs. Thankfully, some medical treatment can lower the amount of stomach acid in the esophagus and gradually lower the frequency of burping during and after meals.

Regurgitation

Regurgitation is a common symptom of acid reflux. After heartburn, it is also the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the chronic form of acid reflux. Regurgitation is the feeling of acid backing up from the GI tract and into the throat or mouth. It is often accompanied by a bitter or sour taste and 'wet burps.' In 'wet burps,' the patient belches and simultaneously spits up liquid or partially digested food.

Certain lifestyle changes can help control regurgitation and 'wet burps.' Both large meals and carbonated drinks put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, which is supposed to keep the stomach’s contents from traveling back up the esophagus. A patient with acid reflux or GERD already has a weakened lower esophageal sphincter, so they should avoid putting pressure on it. Thus, they should limit their consumption of carbonated drinks and eat several small meals rather than two or three big ones. Obesity also puts extras pressure on the stomach and lower esophageal sphincter, so a heavy patient should try to slim down.