According to Dr. Amit Yelsangikar, advisor - medical gastrointestinal, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru (India), acid reflux (Gerd) is a common digestive problem when stomach acid flow back into the esophagus. This happens due to the lower esophageal sphincter (les) not closed properly, causing stomach acid to surge on the esophagus. Common symptoms include heartburn, nausea, cough and flatulence, but sometimes they may be confused with other conditions. Here are typical symptoms and confusing conditions:
Heartburn and heart problems
Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux, but it may also be confused with heart problems. When stomach acid reflux up the esophagus, you may feel pain or discomfort in the chest. However, because the esophagus and heart lies close to each other, sometimes the patient does not distinguish chest pain is due to gerd or cardiovascular problems.
Warning signs from the American Heart Association (AHA):
The feeling of pressing or strangling in the middle of the chest lasts a few minutes or recurrence.
The pain spreads to the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Difficulty breathing with chest pain.
Other symptoms such as cold sweat, nausea or dizziness.
Chronic cough and throat irritation
Chronic cough and sore throat may be a symptom of gerd when stomach acid reflates the esophagus and irritates the throat. However, respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis or sinusitis can also cause cough and sore throat. Moreover, allergens such as pollen, dust or pets can worsen this condition, irritating the throat and airway.
Anxiety or acid reflux?
Gerd symptoms may also be confused with anxiety. Anxiety often causes a sense of insecurity and fear, which can be accompanied by tachycardia, breathing and desperate feeling. On the contrary, acid reflux occurs when stomach acid leaks into the esophagus, leading to heartburn symptoms, sour reflux with sour and difficult to swallow. The distinction between these two conditions can help choose the right treatment.
How to distinguish Gerd and other conditions
To determine exactly whether or not you have acid reflux, the doctor will rely on:
Patient history: Previous health problems and related factors.
Symptom assessment: Observe the accompanying signs such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, feedback, nausea.
Diagnostic test: Including gastroscopy and monitoring pH in the esophagus to assess acid reflux level.
The importance of accurate diagnosis
The correct identification of GERD's symptoms is very important for timely and effective treatment. Understanding the typical signs of GERD will help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis and apply appropriate interventions, thereby improving the quality of life for patients.
Conclude
Dr. Amit Yelsangikar said that acid reflux can cause many symptoms similar to other conditions, making the diagnosis difficult. However, with a combination of patient history, symptom assessment and diagnostic tests, the doctor can accurately identify the condition and offer effective treatment.
