GERD: Symptoms, Causes, Triggers, and Warning Signs

GERD is chronic acid reflux. It happens when stomach contents repeatedly move back into the esophagus and cause symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, sour taste, chest burning, cough, or throat irritation.

Occasional heartburn may happen after a large or spicy meal. GERD is more persistent and may happen repeatedly, disturb sleep, return after medication, or affect the esophagus over time.

Common GERD symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, sour or bitter taste, chest burning, nausea, burping, throat clearing, hoarseness, cough, and symptoms that feel worse after meals or when lying down.

GERD may be linked to a weak lower esophageal sphincter, hiatal hernia, excess weight, late meals, pregnancy, smoking, certain medicines, and food or drink triggers such as fatty foods, coffee, chocolate, citrus, and alcohol.

Yes. Reflux can sometimes irritate the throat and may be associated with chronic cough, hoarseness, throat clearing, sour taste, or a feeling of mucus. Other conditions can also cause these symptoms.

Trouble swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, anemia, or severe chest symptoms should be evaluated promptly. New or severe chest pain should be treated as urgent.

Long-standing GERD can sometimes cause esophagitis, narrowing of the esophagus, ulcers, or Barrett’s esophagus. Not everyone develops complications, but persistent symptoms should be taken seriously.

Eating smaller meals, avoiding late-night food, elevating the head of the bed, reducing personal triggers, limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking, and weight management may help some adults with reflux symptoms.