Gastroesophageal reflux can cause some symptoms, such as a feeling of a full and heavy stomach, a burning sensation in the stomach and/or throat, chest pain, coughing after a meal, general malaise, belching and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
In the presence of signs and symptoms of reflux, it is important that a gastroenterologist is consulted so that an assessment can be carried out, the diagnosis confirmed and the best treatment initiated, which may involve the use of medication and changes in diet.
Gastroesophageal reflux is the involuntary return of stomach contents to the esophagus, which can happen more frequently in people who are overweight and have an unhealthy diet. See more about reflux and its main causes.
Check out the video below for more details about the symptoms of reflux:
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of reflux are:
- Asia;
- Feeling of a full and heavy stomach;
- Burning sensation in the stomach and/or throat;
- Chest pain;
- Cough after meal;
- General malaise;
- Burp;
- Sensation of lump in the throat;
- Feeling that the food consumed has returned to the throat;
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Furthermore, due to irritation in the throat caused by stomach acid, it is also common to clear your throat. See other causes of throat clearing.
In babies, reflux can be identified by gulping after feeding, restless sleep, irritation, hoarseness and difficulty gaining weight, for example. Check out other symptoms of reflux in babies.
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux may appear shortly after or a few hours after a meal, and may worsen when the person lies down or bends over after eating.
Online symptom test
To find out the chances of having gastroesophageal reflux, please select the symptoms you present:
This test is a tool that serves only as a means of guidance and, therefore, is not intended to provide a diagnosis nor does it replace consultation with a gastroenterologist or general practitioner.
What to do
In case of reflux, it is important that the gastroenterologist is consulted so that the diagnosis can be confirmed and treatment advised. In general, it is recommended that people have a lighter diet, avoiding fatty and processed foods and alcoholic and carbonated drinks, giving preference to fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, it is recommended to eat in smaller quantities and every 3 hours.
In addition, the doctor may also recommend the use of medications that help alleviate signs and symptoms and prevent new reflux crises, such as antacid medications, acid production inhibitors, gastric emptying accelerators and gastric protectors. See more details on reflux treatment.
Which doctor to consult
In the presence of signs and symptoms suggestive of reflux, it is important that a gastroenterologist is consulted so that a more detailed assessment can be made of the person’s symptoms and eating and lifestyle habits, in addition to testing.
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Bibliography
- GOLDMAN, Lee; SCHAFER, Andrew I.. Goldman-Cecil Medicina. 25.ed. Rio de Janeiro: Elsevier, 2018. 911-914.
- PORTUGUESE SOCIETY OF GASTROENTEROLOGY. Gastroesophageal reflux disease: clinical guidance standards. 2012. Available at: <https://www.spg.pt/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/NOC_drge.pdf>. Accessed on February 17, 2023
- JUNIOR, Luiz João A. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. JBM. Vol 102. 6 ed; 31-36, 2014
- PUCCINI, Flávia RS; BERRETIN-FELIX, Giédre. Gastroesophageal reflux and swallowing in newborns and infants: integrative review of the literature. Rev. CEFAC. Vol 17. 5 ed; 1664-1673, 2015
- WORLD GASTROENTEROLOGY ORGANISATION GLOBAL GUIDELINES. Global Perspective on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. 2015. Available at: <https://www.spg.pt/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2015-Gastroesophageal-Reflux-Disease-GERD.pdf>. Accessed on February 17, 2023
