What Does Heartburn (GERD) Feel Like?

Heartburn!!! Are you feeling burning sensation in the middle of the chest?

The heartburn is a sensation of localized pain behind the sternum, the bone plate at the middle of the chest. The heartburn is manifested by pain.

Nearly everyone has heartburn now and then. But heartburn is also the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), so talk to your doctor if:

Your heartburn happens 2 or more times a week
Your heartburn gets worse
Your heartburn happens at night and wakes you up from sleep
You’ve had heartburn now and then, but for several years
You have difficulty or pain when swallowing
Your discomfort or pain interferes with your daily activities

Did you know – heartburn is not the only symptom of GERD

Chronic heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. Acid regurgitation (refluxed material into the mouth) is another common symptom. But numerous less common symptoms other than heartburn may be associated with GERD. These may include:

Belching
Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Water brash (sudden excess of saliva)
Dysphagia (the sensation of food sticking in the esophagus)
A chronic sore throat
Laryngitis
Inflammation of the gums
Erosion of the enamel of the teeth
Chronic irritation in the throat
Hoarseness in the morning
A sour taste
Bad breath

The diseases responsible for heartburn are gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux, hiatal hernia, esophagitis, stomach cancer, and heart attack (myocardie infraction).

Chest pain may indicate acid reflux. Nevertheless, this kind of pain or discomfort should prompt urgent medical evaluation. Possible heart conditions must always be excluded first.

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