![]() ![]() In some cases, the acid may travel all the way up the esophagus past the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and damage the structures in the throat. Individuals with GERD can also experience less common symptoms, including persistent sore throat, hoarseness, chronic coughing, difficult or painful swallowing, asthma, unexplained chest pain, bad breath, a feeling of a lump in the throat, and an uncomfortable feeling of fullness after meals.Īcid erosion of tooth enamel, which a dentist will notice, can be a sign of GERD in someone who is not yet experiencing typical symptoms. While many Canadians experience occasional heartburn or regurgitation, these symptoms are frequent in persons with GERD who are not receiving adequate treatment. This can leave a bitter or sour taste in the mouth. Pain results from the irritating effects of stomach acid on the inner esophagus wall, which does not have the same natural protection from acid that exists in the stomach lining.Īnother common symptom is a sensation of food or liquid coming up into the throat or mouth (regurgitation), especially when bending over or lying down. It often worsens after eating and while lying down, and can last for a few hours at a time. It usually feels like a burning pain in the chest, beginning behind the breastbone and moving toward the neck and throat. Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. GERD has a significant negative impact on wellbeing and quality of life. Approximately 13-29% of Canadians experience recurring GERD symptoms. ![]() In gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), this backflow is ongoing.Īcid reflux is responsible for the majority of the symptoms and/or damage to the esophagus. ![]() The LES can malfunction, allowing contents from the stomach, including food and digestive juices, such as hydrochloric acid, to push up into the esophagus. In normal digestion, a specialized ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and then quickly closes to prevent backflow into the esophagus. The esophagus is a muscular tube linking the mouth to the stomach. Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when the upper portion of the digestive tract is not functioning properly, causing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. Click here to download a PDF of this information. ![]()
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