What can cause a person to suddenly develop heartburn for the first time? People without a history of heartburn can suddenly develop heartburn as a result of eating certain foods, some eating patterns, drinking, and smoking. Stress, anxiety, certain medications, and some medical conditions can also cause it.
“This can occur for multiple reasons that cause intra-abdominal pressure to be abnormally elevated, including being overweight or obese, frequent overeating, lying down too soon after eating, chronic straining or coughing, or chronic heavy lifting. These are typically the people who are more susceptible to GERD.”
Anyone of any age can develop GERD, but some may be more at risk for it. For example, the chances you'll have some form of GERD (mild or severe) increase after age 40. You're also more likely to have it if you're: Have overweight/obesity.
Heartburn-like pain is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but several other conditions can cause a burning feeling in your chest, including gallstones, stomach ulcer and esophageal cancer.
A GERD flare-up typically occurs after large meals and can last for two to three hours.
Because the condition is relatively unknown, gastroparesis can be mistaken for other types of GI disorders like GERD. Many symptoms of gastroparesis mirror symptoms of GERD. Both disorders may be accompanied by abdominal pain, indigestion and a sensation of fullness, so they are easily confused for one another.
A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night or while lying down. Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid. Upper abdominal or chest pain. Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
Less common symptoms of GERD can include painful swallowing, unexplained coughing, throat clearing, wheezing and chest pain. It's important to remember that GERD symptoms can sometimes mimic cardiac symptoms. So, if you experience chest pain of any kind, seek immediate medical attention to rule out anything serious.
Nausea or vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may be signs of GERD, hiatal hernia, or esophagitis. Regurgitation of the stomach's contents may occur as a complication of any of these conditions. This regurgitation often results in a “sour taste” that causes some patients to feel nauseated or lose their appetite.
Yes, it's possible. Emotional stress can increase acid production in the stomach, aggravating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In people with GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (which acts as a door between the stomach and the esophagus) doesn't work properly.
GERD is a potentially serious condition, and it will not go away on its own. Untreated GERD can lead to inflammation of the esophagus and cause complications like ulcers, strictures and increased risk of Barrett's esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer.
Dietary Changes
These “trigger foods” differ from person to person but often include chocolate, coffee, fried foods, peppermint, spicy foods, and carbonated beverages. Your doctor may advise that you eliminate some or all of these foods or keep a food diary to pinpoint which foods trigger GERD symptoms.
Some research suggests that inflammation in the esophagus (esophagitis) from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can take up to 8 weeks to heal with successful lifestyle changes and medications.
A burning sensation in the center of your chest that lasts from several minutes to an hour or two. A feeling of chest pressure or pain that is worse if you bend over or lie down. A sour, bitter, or acidic taste in the back of your throat. A feeling that food is “stuck” in your throat or the middle of your chest.
The duration of GERD symptoms can vary from person to person. In some cases, symptoms may occasionally last a few hours. In other cases, symptoms may be more frequent and persist for several days or weeks.
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy
A pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope. Doctors may order an upper GI endoscopy to check for complications of GERD or problems other than GERD that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor may order an upper GI endoscopy to help diagnose GERD.
While both involve inflammation, the key difference between gastritis vs. GERD is where that inflammation occurs in your GI tract. Gastritis has to do with inflammation in the stomach while GERD pertains to inflammation in your esophagus.
If the pain is not relieved shortly after taking antacids, or is accompanied by these symptoms, seek emergency medical care: Squeezing/tightening in the chest. Feeling out of breath. Pain, aching or discomfort radiating from the chest to the arms, back or neck.
Stage 4: Reflux-induced Precancerous Lesions or Esophageal Cancer. Stage 4 GERD represents the most serious consequence of long-term reflux, and approximately 10% of people who have GERD will progress to this stage if their reflux remains uncontrolled over time.
GER usually begins at approximately 2 to 3 weeks of life and peaks between 4 to 5 months. Most babies who are born at full term will have complete resolution of symptoms by the time they are 9 to 12 months old.