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Heartburn/GERD Health Center

Heartburn/GERD Related Topics

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Heartburn/GERD Health Center

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Symptoms

The main symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include:

Persistent heartburn. Heartburn is an uncomfortable feeling or burning pain behind the breastbone. It may occur after you eat, soon after you lie down, or when you bend forward.
A sour or bitter taste in the mouth. The backflow of stomach acid and juices into the esophagus may cause this sour or bitter taste.

Heartburn caused by GERD is usually felt within 2 hours after you eat. If your heartburn lasts for several hours-for example, all night-you may have severe GERD. Some people have GERD without heartburn.

Recommended Related to Heartburn/GERD

Heartburn Symptoms: A Pharmacist's Guide to Treating Heartburn

If you're one of the 40 million Americans who have heartburn symptoms at least once a week -- or even among the 60 million more who have heartburn symptoms at least once a month -- you're probably always looking for new ways to relieve that acid reflux. Even if your heartburn symptoms aren't severe and frequent enough to require prescription medication, you can still get a lot of help in managing your acid reflux from your local pharmacist. Pharmacists are savvy about not only prescription...

Read the Heartburn Symptoms: A Pharmacist's Guide to Treating Heartburn article > >

Other symptoms of GERD may include:

Chest pain. This may be a dull, heavy discomfort that spreads across the chest. This chest pain may occur with heartburn and may be confused with the pain of a heart attack. For more information on chest pain and heart attack, see the topic Chest Problems.
Hoarseness.
Trouble swallowing. This is more common with advanced GERD.
A feeling that you have something stuck in your throat.
A cough.
Having extra saliva.
Nausea.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 11, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.