Surprising Symptoms of Acid Reflux

One of the most noticeable symptoms of acid reflux is chronic heartburn, but not every symptom is as obvious as heartburn. In fact, some symptoms of acid reflux can be mistaken for other conditions. Check out these surprising symptoms of acid reflux.

Chest pain

Because of the acid washing from your stomach up to your esophagus, acid reflux can induce chest pain. Doctors say you should never ignore chest pains. If you have them, get yourself to the doctor quickly.

Discomfort immediately after a meal

If you feel uncomfortable right after a meal, it usually signals that your stomach is too full. That can cause acid reflux to kick in.

“I would stress not eating big, fatty meals and watching your intake of alcohol and tobacco,” Dr. Coyle, who is a spokesman for the American College of Gastroenterology, tells Health.com.

Pain worsens while resting

If you feel pressure or heartburn in your chest and the sensations worsen when you lay down, it could be a sign of acid reflux.

“If you’re sitting up straight, gravity helps keep food in the stomach,” says Dr. Coyle. “If you lose the gravity, you’re more prone to reflux.”

This explains why so many people with acid reflux try to prop their head up at night.

Bad taste in your mouth

Acid reflux causes liquid to come back up into your throat, which could leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

Sore throat

If your throat feels sore, or your voice sounds hoarse, you could be battling acid reflux. The backflow of acid can irritate your throat and cause these problems.

Seek treatment

If you experience any of these symptoms or a combination of them, you’ll want to talk with your doctor. There are prescription medications, like Nexium, that can treat acid reflux. Changes in diet and lifestyle may also help.