Published on Apr. 16, 2018
Feeling like you can’t keep that burning sensation in your stomach from rising into your throat? It may not be occasional heartburn.
You could be experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—a condition where stomach acid and food flow back into the esophagus. In some cases, this can even reach the mouth or lungs.
GERD is more common than many people realize. According to the medical journal Gastroenterology, it affects 20% of the U.S. population.
What Causes GERD?
GERD is often linked to a problem with a key muscle in the digestive system.
“Everyone has a small, normal amount of gastroesophageal reflux, but an abnormal amount of acid reflux occurs when the one-way valve between the esophagus and the stomach, called the lower esophageal sphincter, becomes too loose,” says Ketan Shah, M.D., gastroenterologist at Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California.
Risk Factors That Can Trigger GERD
Several factors can increase pressure in the abdomen and make GERD more likely:
- Being overweight or obese
- Frequent overeating
- Lying down too soon after eating
- Chronic coughing or straining
- Heavy lifting
“These are typically the people who are more susceptible to GERD,” Shah explains.
Why GERD Can Be Difficult to Diagnose
Although GERD is common, it doesn’t always present in obvious ways.
Different people experience different symptoms—and some may not seem related to acid reflux at all.
Left untreated, GERD can become serious.
“It can predispose the esophagus to changes that can eventually lead to cancer,” says Jennifer Katz, M.D., attending gastroenterology physician and assistant professor of medicine at Montefiore Medical Center.
5 Common GERD Symptoms to Watch For
Recognizing the signs of GERD early can help you get treatment sooner.
1. Persistent Heartburn
Heartburn is the most recognizable symptom—but it’s often overlooked.
“Occasional heartburn and regurgitation is normal to a certain extent,” says Shah, “but when heartburn occurs on a regular basis, then it is likely GERD.”
What it feels like:
- Burning sensation in the chest
- Discomfort after eating
- Symptoms that occur frequently
2. Bitter Taste in the Mouth
When acid reflux reaches the throat, it can leave an unpleasant taste.
Common sensations include:
- Bitter or sour taste
- Burning in the throat
- Excess saliva production
This symptom may signal more serious complications.
“This can sometimes result in more serious problems, including esophagitis (damage from acid eroding the lining of the esophagus), hiatal hernia (when the stomach slides up above the diaphragm and into the chest), esophageal ulcers, strictures (or esophageal narrowing from scar tissue), or Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous condition and the most important risk factor for esophageal cancer).”
3. Trouble Swallowing (Dysphagia)
Difficulty swallowing can occur in more advanced cases of GERD.
“Those who have complications from GERD may have trouble swallowing or feel that certain foods get stuck in their throat when trying to swallow,” says Lea Ann Chen, M.D., gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health.
This can sometimes lead to reduced eating and unintended weight loss.
Common Trigger Foods
“Many people find that particular foods trigger their symptoms—like chocolate, caffeine, spicy or acidic foods,” continues Chen. “If so, they should avoid these triggers. In addition, eating frequent small meals and spacing out the time (at least three to four hours) between your last meal or drink and laying down at night may also help.”
4. Chest Pain That Feels Like a Heart Attack
GERD can mimic more serious conditions, including heart problems.
“Because the heart is also located in the chest, where GERD occurs, sometimes GERD symptoms are commonly mistaken for cardiac symptoms. Similarly, sometimes cardiac pain—like a heart attack—can be mistaken for GERD,” says Toyia James-Stevenson, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Indiana University Health.
If you’re unsure about chest pain, it’s critical to act quickly.
Katz advises speaking with a doctor right away to rule out life-threatening cardiac conditions before assuming it’s GERD.
5. Chronic Cough or Respiratory Issues
GERD doesn’t just affect the digestive system—it can impact your lungs too.
When acid enters the airways, it may cause:
- Persistent coughing
- Hoarseness
- Chest congestion
- Wheezing
In some cases, it may even contribute to conditions like asthma or pneumonia.
“The problem is that GERD is not the most common cause of these atypical symptoms, so patients often go through a variety of tests and treatments before their doctors are able to determine that GERD is the cause,” says Shah.
Tips to Reduce Nighttime Symptoms
- Elevate your head while sleeping
- Avoid eating 3–4 hours before bedtime
GERD Treatment and Relief Options
The good news: GERD is treatable.
“There are several over-the-counter medications that can help with GERD but often altering when and what you eat can dramatically improve symptoms,” says James-Stevenson.
Lifestyle Changes That Help
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid trigger foods
- Wait before lying down after eating
- Maintain a healthy weight
When to See a Doctor
“Many primary care physicians treat GERD, so talking with your family physician or gastroenterologist about your symptoms is a great first step.”
The Bottom Line
GERD can show up in more ways than you might expect—from heartburn to chronic cough.
Early recognition is key to preventing complications and managing symptoms effectively.
If you’re experiencing persistent or unusual symptoms, talking to your doctor can help you get the right diagnosis and treatment plan.