Article

Recognizing the Symptoms of Acid Reflux and GERD

Published on Tuesday, December 07, 2021
by Allison Koch

Health & Wellness

Most people think of heartburn when they think of acid reflux and GERD

Heartburn is often described as a burning sensation in the center of your chest, and it is the most common complaint among those with acid reflux. Since the esophagus runs behind our windpipe and heart, it makes sense that when acid reflux occurs, we could feel that burn in our chest.

With heartburn, the symptoms can vary from minor to significant. Most of the time, it depends on the quantity of food and beverages consumed (how large your meal or beverage intake was) and the types of food and beverages consumed (know your triggers!). When you start to get that burning feeling in your throat or chest from the acid or indigestion making its way back into your esophagus, it can lead to a sore throat and additional discomfort, such as coughing or trouble swallowing.

If you have heartburn more than twice a week for several weeks, you may have GERD.

Taking over-the-counter medications to treat your heartburn on a regular basis is not something you should be treating on your own, because it is possible you might have developed GERD- gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD can lead to serious problems and needs to be managed by your medical provider.

GERD Symptoms

Since not everyone who suffers from GERD may experience heartburn, there are additional symptoms to be on the lookout for with GERD:

Experiencing a feeling like there is food stuck in your throat
Experiencing a feeling like your throat is tight or that you are choking
Regurgitation (when food/drink comes back up into your mouth)
A dry cough
Bad breath
Nausea and/or vomiting
Problems swallowing
Frequent belching
Throat soreness and hoarseness of the voice, especially in the morning

Dentists can recognize acid reflux and GERD in individuals during their yearly check-ups by noting enamel erosion on their teeth, sometimes even before a formal diagnosis is made by a medical provider. This is why keeping up with your yearly dental check-ups is also very important!

Other symptoms that could be GERD-related or something much more serious

If you have any of the following symptoms, they could be a GERD-related complication, or they could be a sign of something more serious, and a medical provider should be consulted right away for further evaluation:

Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Chest pain (when to worry)
Pain with swallowing and/or persistent swallowing problems
Continual vomiting
Exhibiting signs of a gastrointestinal bleed (fecal stool contains blood or looks black/tarry, and/or vomit contains blood or looks consistent with coffee grounds)

Recognizing the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD is the first step in preventing any further harm from coming to your esophagus and possibly preventing some serious complications and even more serious conditions, such as esophageal cancer.

Check out our GERD-Diet Demystified series and GERD-friendly products here on Foodguides.com for symptom management and relief.

FAQs

Can you have GERD without experiencing heartburn?

Yes. Although heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, some people experience other symptoms instead. These may include chronic cough, hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, bad breath, or a sensation of a lump in the throat. This is sometimes referred to as "silent reflux" when classic heartburn is absent.

When does heartburn become GERD?

Occasional heartburn is common and may occur after eating a large meal or consuming a trigger food. However, if heartburn occurs more than twice per week, persists for several weeks, or interferes with daily life, it may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A healthcare provider can help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.

Can acid reflux affect your teeth?

Yes. Repeated exposure of the mouth to stomach acid can gradually wear away tooth enamel. In some cases, a dentist may notice signs of enamel erosion before a person receives a formal GERD diagnosis. Regular dental check-ups can play an important role in identifying potential oral health effects of reflux.

What GERD symptoms require immediate medical attention?

Seek prompt medical evaluation if you experience unexplained weight loss, persistent difficulty swallowing, pain with swallowing, ongoing vomiting, signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (such as black, tarry stools or vomit that resembles coffee grounds), loss of appetite, or chest pain. These symptoms may indicate complications of GERD or another serious medical condition requiring further investigation.

Is it safe to take over-the-counter heartburn medication every day?

Frequent reliance on over-the-counter heartburn medications should be discussed with a healthcare provider. While these medications can provide temporary symptom relief, persistent symptoms may indicate GERD or another underlying condition that requires medical evaluation and a more comprehensive treatment plan.

References

1Acid reflux & gerd: What to know. Cleveland Clinic. (2026, April 6). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17019-gerd-or-acid-reflux-or-heartburn-overview

2Dundar, A., & Sengun, A. (2014). Dental approach to erosive tooth wear in gastroesophageal reflux disease. African health sciences, 14(2), 481–486. https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v14i2.28

3Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (n.d.-b). Heartburn or heart attack: When to worry. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/in-depth/heartburn-gerd/art-20046483?p=1