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Heartburn & GERD - Symptoms
- Topic Overview
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- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
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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.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 11, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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