Esophageal reflux is not limited to just a fleeting feeling of burning after a heavy meal. Often times, its symptoms can be deceptive, appearing in the form of health problems that seem completely unrelated to the digestive system, such as a persistent cough or hoarseness. Ignoring these signs leads to serious complications. Follow with us our article from Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, where we highlight the symptoms of esophageal reflux that you should take seriously, and explain why understanding these early signs is crucial to maintaining your health.
What is esophageal reflux?
It is a condition that occurs when stomach acid or its contents flow back into the esophagus. This backflow is called acid reflux.
Normally, there is a circular muscle at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal valve. Its function is to open to allow food to pass into the stomach and then close tightly to prevent stomach contents from returning. In the case of reflux, this valve does not work properly, allowing acid to rise.
If acid reflux occurs frequently, it may cause irritation and inflammation in the lining of the esophagus, which is known as esophageal reflux disease.
What are the symptoms of esophageal reflux?
Although the symptoms of esophageal reflux are common and clear, it may also cause other symptoms that many may not associate with the digestive system. The most prominent symptoms include the following:
- Heartburn, or heartburn, is the most common symptom, as the patient complains of a burning sensation in the chest that moves to the throat, and it often occurs after eating or when lying down.
- Chest pain, which may be severe, which some may confuse with a heart attack.
- Difficulty swallowing. The patient may feel a lump in the throat or difficulty passing food.
- Pain in the upper abdomen.
- Chronic cough is a symptom of esophageal reflux that is not directly related to the digestive system, as acid reflux may irritate the throat and trachea, causing a persistent cough that does not respond to usual cough medications.
- Hoarseness or laryngitis, as a result of acid rising and irritating the vocal cords.
- Asthma. In some cases, esophageal reflux can worsen or cause asthma symptoms.
- Tooth erosion, as a result of acid repeatedly entering the mouth, which leads to the erosion of the outer enamel layer of the teeth.
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Symptoms of esophageal reflux During the night
Symptoms of esophageal reflux at night affect the patient's quality of life, because they may cause sleep disturbances and affect general health. These symptoms occur or get worse at night due to lying down, which makes it easier for stomach acid to flow into the esophagus. The most prominent of them include the following:
- A burning feeling in the chest, which increases when lying down immediately after eating, which may wake you up from sleep.
- Episodes of severe coughing during sleep.
- Waking up with a hoarse voice or a feeling of something stuck in the throat.
- Feeling acidic food or liquid returning to the mouth during sleep, which is annoying and may cause a feeling of suffocation.
- Difficulty breathing, in severe cases, as inhaling a small amount of stomach acid can cause shortness of breath or nocturnal asthma attacks.
Symptoms that may be similar to other diseases
The symptoms of esophageal reflux are very similar to the symptoms of other diseases, which may lead to poor diagnosis or delayed treatment. This similarity lies especially in the atypical symptoms that many do not associate with the digestive system, for example:
- Chest pain resulting from esophageal reflux can be sharp and severe, and is easily confused with symptoms of a heart attack or angina. It can be characterized by the fact that reflux pain usually increases after eating or when lying down, and may improve by taking antacids, while this does not apply to heart attack pain.
- Chronic cough, which is a common symptom of many respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and allergies, but in the case of esophageal reflux it can cause chronic cough that does not respond to conventional treatments.
- Asthma, as esophageal reflux exacerbates asthma symptoms, especially nocturnal asthma.
- Hoarseness and laryngitis.
- Chronic sinusitis.
- Tooth erosion which is often misdiagnosed as an oral hygiene problem only.
- Difficulty swallowing resulting from other diseases such as esophageal stricture, esophageal cancer, or disorders of the esophageal muscles.
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When do symptoms become serious and require a visit to the doctor?
Symptoms of esophageal reflux become serious and require an immediate visit to the doctor in the following cases:
- Severe difficulty swallowing. If you feel like food is getting stuck in your throat or chest, this may be a sign of narrowing in your esophagus.
- Chest pain, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath or pain in the jaw or arm.
- Bleeding in the digestive system, which may appear in the form of bloody vomiting or dark black stools.
- Reflux symptoms persist more than twice a week or if your condition does not improve after using over-the-counter medications such as antacids.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Worsening of nighttime symptoms: If nighttime symptoms such as coughing and choking significantly affect the quality of your sleep.
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Possible complications if symptoms are neglected
If the symptoms of esophageal reflux are neglected and left untreated, this may lead to the development of acid reflux into more serious diseases and complications that affect the health of the esophagus and the digestive system in general, including:
- Esophagitis, due to constant exposure to stomach acid that erodes the sensitive lining of the esophagus.
- Esophageal stenosis, any contraction in the lower part of the esophagus that makes swallowing very difficult, and may cause food to get stuck in the throat.
- Esophageal ulcer.
- Barrett's Esophagus, a change in the type of cells lining the lower part of the esophagus, is one of the most serious complications of chronic esophageal reflux and greatly increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
- Aspiration pneumonia: In severe cases, stomach acid can be inhaled into the lungs, causing serious pneumonia.
- Exacerbation of chronic asthma.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I suffer from esophageal reflux?
You can know if you suffer from esophageal reflux if you suffer from the symptoms previously mentioned at the beginning of the article, and the most prominent of these symptoms is a feeling of heartburn or a burning sensation in the middle of the chest, especially after eating meals, and also a chronic cough at night or frequent sore throat and hoarseness.
ما هي Symptoms of esophageal reflux Silent?
Silent esophageal reflux is known as laryngopharyngeal reflux, which is a type of reflux in which the classic symptoms such as severe heartburn or acid regurgitation do not appear clearly. Instead, the acid reaches the throat and larynx, causing various and confusing symptoms, including:
- Chronic hoarseness or change in voice, especially in the morning.
- Constant feeling of a lump in the throat.
- Chronic, unexplained cough that is dry or short.
- An annoying feeling of constantly needing to clear your throat.
- Feeling like food is stuck in the throat or upper chest.
- Sore or sore throat without infection.
- Difficulty breathing or suffocation attacks, especially at night.
What is the quick solution for esophageal reflux?
Unfortunately, there is no so-called magic or immediate solution that completely eliminates esophageal reflux in seconds, because it is a chronic condition associated with a weak sphincter muscle, but there are quick and direct measures that you can do now to relieve pain and acidity almost immediately, including:
- Over-the-counter medications, such as antacids, which are the fastest of all, neutralizing stomach acid immediately within minutes, and H2 receptor blockers, have a slightly slower effect but provide longer relief.
- Immediate home remedies, such as dissolving baking soda and sodium bicarbonate in a cup of water and drinking it.
- Chewing gum increases the production of saliva, which neutralizes acid and flushes the esophagus, but choose flavors other than mint.
- Drinking small sips of water helps wash acid from the esophagus and reduce its concentration.
- Stand or sit upright.
When will it disappear? Symptoms of esophageal reflux
The disappearance of esophageal reflux symptoms depends largely on the severity of your condition, the underlying cause, and your adherence to the treatment plan.
In general, esophageal reflux symptoms improve within days to two weeks if you change your lifestyle and remove all triggers. With the use of prescribed medications, it takes 2 to 4 days to start improving, and it may take up to 4 weeks to achieve complete control.
In conclusion, always remember that esophageal reflux is not just a minor inconvenience, but rather a health condition that deserves attention and follow-up. Do not hesitate to consult a specialist doctor when you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, especially those that may seem unrelated to the digestive system.
At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, our medical team is keen to provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for esophageal reflux patients, using the latest technologies to ensure the best health outcomes. Your health is our priority.
يمكنك التواصل معنا على ارقامنا المدونة على الموقع للمزيد من التفاصيل والحجز والاستفسار.
Sources
Gastroesophageal reflux disease – medlineplus
