Q. What are the common symptoms of heartburn?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
The common symptoms of heartburn include:
1. Burning Sensation: A burning or warm sensation in the chest, often behind the breastbone. This is the hallmark symptom of heartburn.
2. Acidic Taste: A sour or bitter taste in the mouth, which can be caused by stomach acid regurgitating into the throat.
3. Regurgitation: The sensation of stomach contents, including stomach acid, coming back up into the throat or mouth.
4. Chest Pain: Chest discomfort that can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack, though it's typically less severe and doesn't radiate to the left arm or neck.
5. Difficulty Swallowing: Some people with chronic heartburn may experience difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, due to irritation and inflammation of the esophagus.
6. Dry Cough: A persistent, dry cough may result from irritation of the throat caused by stomach acid.
7. Hoarseness: Chronic heartburn can lead to voice changes and hoarseness due to acid irritating the vocal cords.
8. Sore Throat: Frequent exposure to stomach acid can lead to a sore or irritated throat.
9. Wheezing: Wheezing or asthma-like symptoms can sometimes be exacerbated by acid reflux.
It's important to remember that not everyone with heartburn experiences all of these symptoms. Some individuals may have occasional heartburn with mild symptoms, while others may suffer from more frequent and severe episodes. If you experience chronic or severe heartburn symptoms, or if you are concerned about your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical advice to determine the cause and appropriate treatment options. In some cases, persistent heartburn can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
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