Unusual Symptoms of Acid Reflux
In acid reflux, acid moves into your esophagus after eating. It happens because the muscle ring called the lower esophageal sphincter is slow or ineffective. This muscle opens and shuts the connection between your esophagus and stomach when working correctly, keeping acids from your stomach from coming out. But if the esophagus does not function as it should acid can arrive in the esophagus, leading to chest burn or known as heartburn.
The acid reflux can be caused by many risk factors. Over-eating, obesity, pregnancies, smoking, or eating acidic foods such as tomato sauce or carbohydrates may be attributed to this condition. Besides chest burn, there are different signs of acid reflux that may surprise many of you. Here are the unusual signs of acid reflux that the best gastroenterologist in OKC will look for.
Food Tastes Bitter
According to the Mayo Clinic research conducted for the American Journal of Medicine, the stomach juices that lead to your esophagus can leave a bitter or sour taste.
Problems Swallowing
Reflux of acid can cause damage and scarring of the esophagus and make swallowing food difficult. This can be extremely painful and unpleasant.
Saliva in Greater Quantity
If an irritant is found in the esophagus like stomach acid, it can start overproduction by the salivary gland, causing excess saliva into the mouth. It’s the same as before you vomit your mouth begins to wet.
Cough / Sore Throat
Reflux at night can reach the throat without waking you, especially after late - night food and alcohol intake. The gastric content of the fluxes harms sensitive tissues that cause a sore throat, needing to clear the throat and coughing.
Tooth Problems
Mostly seen in kids, a number of reports suggest that acid in the stomach can cause tooth enamel problems. This seems extremely rare, however.
Asthma – There is a connection between asthma and acid reflux, when not allergic (non-seasonal). Respiratory symptoms as cough or wheezing result in sudden changes in the chest and abdomen as a result of severe pressure. Reflux may also occur while a person with asthma is inhaling before heavy exhalation.
Acid Laryngitis – Gastric juice can occasionally reflux into the larynx through the esophagus and upper esophagus sphincter. Laryngitis results from inflammation. Larynx damage can be seen through a scope sometimes.
Chest and Stomach Pain- This sign of acid reflux is all too common. Chest pain after eating is often a result of the condition if you find it worse in the night or lying down. Gravity can combat reflux when standing, but acid can make its way upwards much easier at rest.
Come to Digestive Disease Specialists, Inc. for the best gastroenterologist in OKC. We would love to help you recognize other signs of acid reflux and get treatment.