Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is a common digestive disorder where the stomach acid or bile flows into the esophagus or food pipe, irritating the lining. Acid reflux can be due to various factors like overeating, pregnancy, smoking or eating too much acidic foods like carbonated drinks. This chronic condition could be worse than just indigestion, as GERD can damage the throat, larynx and lungs.
You would think because acid reflux is such a common problem, it’s signs would be easy to spot and treat. However, you may be a victim of the condition and not even realize it as some signs and symptoms aren’t always as obvious. Heartburns and acid refluxes are no fun and if left unattended, can lead to bigger issues like esophagus cancer. Though, the chances of developing this type of cancer are rare, it’s still important to be save from GERD.
Aside from heartburn, burning sensation in the chest, and stomachache, you could be exhibiting some unusual signs of acid reflux which may come as a surprise. Here are a few.
1. Post Meal Pain
Eating a heavy meal can upset the stomach as your abdomen is loaded with food contents which can find nowhere to go but up. The acid travels up the chest, inflaming the area and causing discomfort. Hence, it is recommended to not indulge in heavy meals and to recline after dining.
2. Excessive Salivation
Another ‘weird’ sign you could have acid reflux is if your mouth produces a lot more saliva than usual. According to Harvard Health, as stomach acid travels into your throat, it makes your mouth salivate more. Because of salivating excessively, some people even foam around the mouth. If this happens to you, you could be suffering from acid reflux.
3. A Hoarse Voice
If your voice starts to crack and sound hoarse, this could be another heartburn symptom. Reflux laryngitis, as it is known, can enter the vocal cords and cause chronic inflammation. If you find a change in your voice and battling the hoarseness by constantly clearing your throat, you could have acid reflux.
Doctors suggest drinking plenty of liquids to pacify the dry throat as a temporary fix.
Even after following a proper oral regime of brushing your teeth twice in a day AND flossing, if you find yourself with a stinky breath, acid reflux could be to blame. Since people with GERD can’t efficiently digest food in their stomach, the contents travel to the esophagus, rots there and contributes to bad breath. Undigested food can lead to persistent unwanted odor.
5. Pain even when at rest
People with acid reflux, experience pain and even feel nauseated when at rest. Heartburn causes discomfort when bending over or lying down as the acid reaches your food pipe. It is advised for people with GERD to sleep or rest with their heads raised and avoid eating heavy or big meals before bedtime.
6. Nighttime Choking
Just as with many of the symptoms of acid reflux, nighttime choking can be disruptive and unpleasant. Acid reflux not only works during the day, it also remains active in the night. Attacks of coughing or choking at night can be caused due to the back-flow of stomach acid. if you notice coughing or choking about an hour after going to bed this could be an indication of acid reflux.
