What are the symptoms of esophageal reflux disease?

Esophageal reflux disease can be said to be a problem that affects many people, and it is indeed a rather uncomfortable phenomenon. It often causes symptoms of acid reflux and burning sensation in the stomach after meals, as well as symptoms such as swallowing pain and difficulty swallowing.

1. Heartburn and acid reflux

Heartburn refers to a burning sensation behind the sternum and under the xiphoid process, which usually occurs one hour after a meal. It is more likely to occur when lying flat, bending over, or when abdominal pressure increases. The gastric contents that flow back into the mouth are often acidic, which is called acid reflux. Acid reflux is often accompanied by heartburn, which is the most common symptom of this disease.

2. Painful swallowing and difficulty swallowing

Swallowing pain may occur in severe esophagitis or esophageal ulcers, which is caused by acidic reflux stimulating the sensory nerve endings under the esophageal epithelium. Refluxed materials can also stimulate mechanical receptors to cause esophageal spasmodic pain. In severe cases, it can be severe stabbing pain that radiates to the back, waist, shoulders, and neck, similar to angina pectoris. Due to esophageal spasm or functional disorder, some patients may also have difficulty swallowing, and when esophageal stenosis occurs, the difficulty swallowing continues to worsen.

3. Others

Reflux can irritate the pharyngeal mucosa and cause pharyngitis, hoarseness, discomfort in the throat or a foreign body sensation. Inhalation into the respiratory tract may cause coughing and asthma. This type of asthma is not seasonal and often occurs in paroxysmal coughing and wheezing at night. Some patients suffer from recurrent aspiration pneumonia and even pulmonary interstitial fibrosis.