If you already have acid reflux, your diet and lifestyle choices may aggravate it:
- Smoking
- Some meals and beverages, such as chocolate, fried, fatty, or spicy foods, coffee, and alcohol may trigger GERD
- Heavy meals
- Eating just before going to bed
- Various drugs, aspirin included
GERD Signs
The major signs of GERD are chronic heartburn and acid regurgitation. However, some patients may have chest pain, hoarseness in the morning, or difficulty swallowing.
Heartburn (acid indigestion) is the most typical symptom of GERD. It typically manifests as a severe chest discomfort that rises from behind the breastbone to the neck and throat. Many patients report that they feel as though food is returning to their mouths, leaving an acidic or bitter taste.
In addition to being worse after eating, heartburn can also be brought on by lying down or bending over. Many people get relief from heartburn by standing up straight or by taking an antacid that clears acid out of the esophagus.
Heartburn pain is less likely to accompany physical activity than heart disease or a heart attack pain, but you can’t tell the difference. If you experience any chest pain, get medical attention immediately away.
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