Common Symptoms of GERD
Persistent heartburn (2 or more days a week)
Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. It is a problem that may be overlooked or dismissed by your patients. As you know, ignoring frequent heartburn can lead to damage of the esophagus and additional complications. By discussing heartburn and other symptoms of GERD with your patients, you can help them take the necessary steps to improve their conditions.
Other symptoms of GERD:
Regurgitation
Regurgitation is also a common symptom experienced by GERD patients. When acid produced by the stomach rises into the esophagus, patients may experience heartburn and/or regurgitation—they may describe regurgitation as a bad taste in the back of their throats or the feeling that food is coming back up. In a survey of 21,128 adults in the United States, heartburn and regurgitation occurred together 44% of the time.1
Belching
Belching is another symptom that can accompany heartburn in patients with GERD.2 When people swallow while eating or drinking, air along with food or fluid may also be swallowed. When the lower esophageal sphincter is weakened, as it is with GERD, air may escape up the esophagus and out of the mouth.3,4 Patients with GERD may find that they are constantly burping and excusing themselves. This GERD symptom may improve when patients receive treatment.
Early satiety
When patients with GERD feel full sooner than normal after eating, they are experiencing early satiety. Patients may complain about this, just as they do with other symptoms of GERD. Many people suffering from GERD can also suffer from early satiety.2
