Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux affects 7 million Americans. For those who are unaware, GERD is a digestive disease in which the acid from the stomach flows back into the esophagus and then into the mouth, causing heartburn. The occasional heartburn is nothing to worry about, but heartburn shouldn’t be ignored if you’re experiencing it on a daily or almost-daily basis.
Here are a few basic symptoms of acid reflux you need to be aware of:
- A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), sometimes spreading to your throat, along with a sour taste in your mouth
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Dry cough
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux)
- Sensation of a lump in your throat.
In the long run, GERD can wreak havoc on your esophagus. Furthermore, here are five reasons to stop ignoring your acid reflux.
1. Esophageal cancer: In cases where GERD has been left untreated for many years, esophageal cancer can develop. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent coughing, vomiting and chest pain.