Unusual Acid Reflux Symptoms

Posted: Jun 26 in Reflux Disease by Staff

Acid reflux affects an estimated 33 percent of people in the United States, yet the majority of these people may not even realize they have acid reflux. More often than not, the symptoms of acid reflux can be less than obvious and easily mistaken for a different medical issue. Untreated acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can lead to serious health problems such as Barrett’s esophagus and even cancer.
If you think you may suffer from acid reflux, it’s best to notify your GERD surgeon in Macon so you can begin treatment before further development leads to more serious health concerns. If you aren’t quite sure acid reflux is the issue, check out some of these less-than-obvious symptoms of GERD.

Bitter Taste in Your Mouth

Have you ever noticed a less-than-pleasant bitter taste lingering in your mouth, especially in the back of your throat? This could be escaped acid from your stomach that has crept its way up your esophagus and into your mouth. In more extreme cases, this bitter reflux can cause choking. If you find yourself hacking or choking with bitter taste on a consistent basis, especially during the night, you may want to speak to a GERD specialist.

Irritated Throat

An irritated or sore throat is typically classified as a cold for flu symptom, but it can sometimes be the result of a digestive issue. Pay close attention to your sore throat symptoms to see if they intensify directly after eating. If this is the case, it may in fact be acid reflux. If you don’t develop additional cold or flu symptoms such as sneezing, sniffling and fever you may want to consider getting checked for GERD.

Difficulty Swallowing

If untreated for a long period of time, acid reflux can cause scarring due to the continuous cycle of damage and healing after incidence of reflux. In some cases, this can lead to swelling in the lower-esophagus tissue, which narrows the passageway and ultimately causes trouble swallowing.

Hoarse Voice

Many people mistake a cracking or hoarse voice for a preliminary cold or flu symptom, but hoarseness can actually be a symptom of acid reflux. Depending on the severity of acid reflux, stomach acids can creep up your esophagus and irritate your vocal cords. If your hoarseness intensifies after a meal, this may be a sign that acid reflux is to blame and not the flu. Either way, it’s best to check with a doctor to further identity the cause of the throat irritation.
Though there are many symptoms of GERD, these are just a few more unusual indicators you may not be aware of. Mistaking these symptoms for something else could prolong treatment for acid reflux which in return can lead to serious health concerns. If you think you may be suffering from chronic acid reflux, contact your GERD surgeon in Macon.