Gerd-Symptoms.phpIt is 3 O-clock in the morning and suddenly you mouth is full of burning acid and your throat is on fire. You gag and choke while running to the bathroom. Quickly try to extinquish the fire with water but the damage is already done. You washout your mouth and reach for the antacids. Two hours later you again try to sleep but in the back of your mind you know another attack could come at any time. Such is the world of a GERD suffer. GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. The disease is basically stomach acid being refluxed up the esophagus repeatedly over time. The results of this reflux is damage to the esophagus and esophageal sphincter. For many people this is a life long disorder. The symptoms are painful and make your life miserable.

We all have suffered from heartburn at one time or another. A burning sensation slowly appears in the chest, usually after a meal of spicy food or sometimes to much of a good meal. For most of us this is an infrequent occurrence. However, for others it is a daily fact of life. The difference in symptoms are small but significant. Heartburn symptoms can range from having a burning sensation in the chest behind the sternum after eating or drinking that last for minutes or several hours in duration. Many people mistaken these symptoms for a heart attack. This is especially true if the individual does not normally suffer from heartburn symptoms. A long with these symptoms throat irritation or hoarseness. Again this almost always associated with food or drink. Alcohol, citrus products, tomatoes, chocolate or any food with an acid base to it. Tea and coffee beverages can also bring the onset of heartburn.

GERD symptoms although somewhat similar have important differences. A major difference is that the individual will have trouble swallowing, even swallowing his or her own saliva. Another is serious symptom is a choking and/or gagging sensation akin to something being stuck in the throat. Similarly a persistent cough is also not an uncommon symptom of GERD. The pain in the chest is generally more intense as well.

Ignoring the symptoms of GERD can lead to a more serious condition. Simple tests given by your doctor can lead to relieving the symptoms and make life more enjoyable. Many times the greatest reduction in symptoms of both GERD and heartburn come from changes in lifestyle. There is not reason to continue to suffer needlessly.

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