Let’s Be Open About GERD And Its Symptoms
We mentioned in our “Living with GERD” post that there were symptoms of the ailment that we wanted to touch on.
There is so much we could talk about GERD, but we’re merely here to discuss symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic these include:
- Heartburn – often a burning feeling felt in the chest. This usually happens after the sufferer has eaten. The sensation normally feels worse at night.
- Sourness – a yucky taste in the back of the throat or backwash of food.
- Pain – Chest or upper stomach.
- Dysphagia – Another term for trouble swallowing; mainly food.
- A Lump In The Throat
As for acid reflux at nighttime, GERD symptoms may include:
- A consistent cough
- Laryngitis – Swollen vocal cords
- Asthma that keeps getting worse
When Should You See A Doctor About GERD?
If you have the symptoms of GERD that are mentioned above that are frequent or quite severe, or you take non-prescription medication more than two times a week, please go see a doctor.
The doctor will help you devise a plan, which may include prescription medication. If the GERD symptoms do not lessen over time, they may send you for additional testing. You may be advised to visit a specialist. They will assist in finding out the cause by placing a camera down your throat to see if they can find the root of the problem.
Once this has been done, your general practitioner will have more of an idea of how to treat you. In a later article, we’ll go over other illnesses that can stem from GERD, if it is not treated promptly. Moreover, it will it better to have as much information at your disposal as possible. That way, it is easy for you, the patient to manage in the long time.