Acid Reflux Symptoms: Recognizing Common and Critical Signs

Acid reflux happens when stomach contents rise up the esophagus and reach the throat, leading to symptoms such as chest pain or burning, a sour or bitter taste, hoarseness, or a persistent cough.

During digestion, food moves from the mouth down through the esophagus—a 10-inch tube connecting the mouth to the stomach.

The junction between the esophagus and stomach allows food to enter the stomach and then normally closes to prevent backflow.

If this valve fails to close properly, stomach contents can reflux into the esophagus, causing irritation and various symptoms.

Acid reflux is also commonly known as:

• gastroesophageal reflux
• reflux
• heartburn
• acid indigestion or regurgitation

Many people experience acid reflux occasionally, sometimes without noticing it. Mild reflux often occurs after heavy meals.

However, frequent reflux—occurring twice or more per week over several weeks—may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic condition affecting up to 20% of the U.S. population.

It’s important to distinguish that GERD is a disease characterized by persistent acid reflux symptoms, not just occasional reflux.

Typical Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Some individuals with acid reflux may have no noticeable symptoms, while others experience a range from mild to severe discomfort.

Both acid reflux and its chronic form, GERD, commonly cause heartburn and regurgitation.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning or painful sensation in the chest, often felt:

• in the center of the chest
• behind the breastbone
• in the lower chest area

This burning feeling can move upward from the lower breastbone to the throat, caused by stomach acid irritating the esophageal lining.

Heartburn frequently occurs after large meals or when lying down, especially in people with GERD.

Its duration can range from minutes to hours, with severity influenced by diet and meal size.

Regurgitation

Regurgitation is a common acid reflux symptom where stomach contents flow back into the throat, leading to an unpleasant taste that may be sour, bitter, or food-like.

This occurs because stomach acid reaches the mouth during reflux.

In infants, regurgitation—often called "spitting up"—is normal due to their smaller esophagus and frequent lying down after feedings.

Unlike vomiting, which involves gagging or retching, infant regurgitation is typically less severe.

Additional Acid Reflux Symptoms

Not all people with acid reflux experience heartburn or regurgitation; some may have other symptoms or none at all.

Other possible signs include:

• nausea
• difficulty swallowing
• pain when swallowing or chest discomfort
• hoarseness
• chronic cough

Adults with GERD may also notice:

• tooth decay
• persistent sore throat
• laryngitis
• bad breath
• gum inflammation
• excess saliva

Infants with GERD might display:

• poor weight gain
• choking, gagging, or vomiting episodes
• unusual chin and neck movements
• swallowing difficulties
• coughing
• wheezing
• irritability
• refusal to feed
• loss of appetite
• back arching

When Acid Reflux Symptoms Require Urgent Care

Sometimes acid reflux symptoms can signal more serious health issues. Immediate medical evaluation is crucial to rule out emergencies.

Chest pain caused by acid reflux can be difficult to differentiate from heart attack symptoms.

If chest pain occurs, seek prompt medical attention to exclude heart attack, angina, or other critical conditions.

For infants, symptoms mimicking GERD may indicate other disorders.

Contact a healthcare provider immediately if your infant:

• is gaining less weight than expected
• weighs less than typical for age
• cries excessively
• has difficulty breathing or swallowing
• shows dehydration signs, like no wet diaper for over 3 hours
• vomits forcefully or large amounts
• vomits bile-colored (green or yellow), blood, or coffee-ground-like material
• has rectal bleeding
• passes stools with blood

Adults with acid reflux should seek medical advice if experiencing:

• unexplained weight loss
• black, tarry, or bloody stools
• vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material
• persistent vomiting
• painful swallowing
• loss of appetite
• chest pain

Summary

Acid reflux varies widely—some may have no symptoms, while others experience mild to severe discomfort.

Common signs include heartburn and regurgitation, but symptoms like chest pain, nausea, and swallowing difficulties can also occur.

Because some symptoms overlap with serious conditions such as heart attacks, consulting a healthcare professional when in doubt is essential.

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