Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
GERD causes heartburn and sour regurgitation. Chest pain with sweating or breathlessness is an emergency, not reflux.
GERD symptoms range from mild, occasional discomfort to daily problems that disturb sleep and eating.
Typical symptoms
Symptoms outside the food pipe
Chest pain: do not assume it is reflux
Reflux can feel like heart pain. Chest pain with sweating, breathlessness, pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back, or dizziness may be a . Call 112 or 102 straight away.
Warning signs that need a doctor soon
Key point
Heartburn more than twice a week, or symptoms that disturb sleep, deserve a medical review rather than long-term self-treatment with antacids.
Before you see a doctor
Bring a list of all your medicines and supplements to the appointment, along with a note of when symptoms occur, what you ate, and whether they wake you at night. This helps your doctor choose the right tests and treatment without delay.
Speak to your doctor if symptoms keep returning, rather than relying on tablets alone for months.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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GERD can be non-erosive, erosive or Barrett's, with typical or throat-related symptoms. Learn how the types differ.
Prevent GERD flares with a healthy weight, smaller meals, early dinner, no smoking and limiting personal triggers.
GERD medicines include antacids, alginates, H2 blockers and PPIs. A doctor should guide dose and duration.
GERD happens when stomach acid flows back into the food pipe. Causes include a weak valve, obesity, pregnancy and late meals.
GERD can progress from occasional reflux to oesophagitis and complications. Early care and review lower the risk.
A GERD diet limits fried food, fizzy drinks and late meals and favours smaller, regular meals. Triggers vary by person.
