Symptoms of Heartburn – How To Determine If You are Suffering From Heartburn

It is important to become aware of the symptoms of heartburn in order to get immediate relief and appropriate treatment. Heartburn or acid reflux is considered a symptom of a digestive disorder. This implies that it is not the disorder itself. For instance, it could be secondary to Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. It should also be understood that while several individuals have different heartburn triggers, the associated symptoms are oftentimes similar for most of them.
 
Here are some of the most common complaints of patients who are suffering from heartburn. Understanding these prominent symptoms of heartburn is important in order for the doctors to come up with the right diagnosis and most appropriate treatment option.
 
1. Burning sensation in the chest – This sensation typically originates behind the breastbone or sternum and extends up to the throat. This symptom is often encountered following a meal. The discomfort can last for a few minutes all the way to several hours. This is one of the most common symptoms of heartburn which is considered as a determinant to rule out the condition.
 
2. Bitter or sour taste in the mouth – This sensation usually happens when the stomach contents reflux up all the way to the esophagus. This may reach up to the back portion of the throat which is the reason for the bitter or sour taste in the mouth. This sensation can be very disturbing for a lot of people because it can affect normal eating and digestion. Most people experience vomiting brought about by the acid reflux. This can indeed aggravate the situation.
 
3. Burning sensation in the throat – People who suffer from heartburn complain of burning sensation around the neck area and sometimes lower. The pain is further aggravated by swallowing. This irritation is secondary to stomach content reflux that goes up into the throat. Among the symptoms of heartburn, this is the most bothersome for the majority of people because of the burning type of pain. It can severely prevent you from eating due to painful swallowing.
 
4. Dysphagia or swallowing difficulty – This occurs when the food that is eaten does not pass normally through the esophagus on its way down to the stomach. The person may complain about the food is getting stuck along the throat. Other associated symptoms are chest pressure and the feeling of choking. There are people who also complain of a burning type of pain along the chest. Dysphagia could also be a symptom of other medical conditions such as erosive esophagitis. A thorough examination by a doctor is necessary to determine the cause and come up with the right diagnosis.
 
If you are encountering at least one of the four symptoms presented above, it is best to seek medical help immediately. Do not try to live with the discomfort because heartburn is treatable and can be prevented. Becoming aware of the symptoms of heartburn will help you determine if you are suffering from GERD.