Reflux Disease (GERD) Symptoms

Persistent heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD.

• Heartburn is a burning pain in the center of the chest, behind the breastbone. It often starts in the upper abdomen and spreads up into the neck.
• The pain can last as long as 2 hours.
• Heartburn is usually worse after eating.
• Lying down or bending over can bring on heartburn or make it worse.
• The pain usually does not start or get worse with physical activity.
• Heartburn is sometimes referred to as acid indigestion.
• Not everyone with GERD has heartburn.

Other symptoms of GERD include the following:

• Regurgitation of bitter acid up into the throat while sleeping or bending over
• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Persistent dry cough
• Hoarseness (especially in the morning)
• Feeling of tightness in the throat, as if a piece of food is stuck there
• Wheezing
  

The most common symptoms in children are repeated vomiting, coughing, and other respiratory problems.

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GERD - Proton Pump Inhibitors

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Heartburn symptoms caused by GERD are usually relieved by drugs called proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium, Zegerid); however, proton pump inhibitors sometimes do not work well. If your symptoms were not relieved by treatment with proton pump inhibitors, can you please describe your GERD symptoms that did not improve? If you have other treatments that have been effective, please comment on those.

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