Acid reflux occurs when the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus fails and permits acid from the stomach to back up into the esophagus. The disorder is also referred to as gastric reflux, gastro esophageal reflux disorder, and GERD.

As with any serious medical condition, there are a number of symptoms that people suffer when they have acid reflux. Before going onto to see what some of these are, it's useful to know exactly what acid reflux is. At the base of your esophagus (the food pipe) there is a muscular barrier known as the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). This is used to block acidic stomach contents from backwashing into the esophagus and burning its tender lining. When the LES fails to perform this function properly the person will suffer from gastro esophageal reflux disease, shortened to GERD.

There are several acid reflux symptoms that people should be aware of since so many millions are affected by the condition. If you have every experienced any of the following then it is quite possible you also have acid reflux:

- The most common and well known of acid reflux symptoms is the painful, burning sensation known as heartburn. Typically the pain will start around the center of the chest and rise up through to the throat and esophagus area. It is felt most painfully directly after a meal.

- The acidic gastric juices burning the esophagus can leave scar tissue and ulcers around the esophagus. This results in difficulty swallowing, another very unpleasant symptom of the acid reflux disease.

- Some people have also reported that they feel chest pains and tightness in their stomach during an acid reflux attack.

- Regurgitation or mild vomiting of small bits of food and stomach acid leaving a bas taste and potentially leading to halitosis.

- Dry, persistent cough with and hoarseness of voice are also common acid reflux symptoms.

- Panic attacks as a result of a fear of choking when they have difficulty swallowing.

- Chronic ear aches.

- Nausea, particularly after consuming a meal.

- Sinusitus.

So, as you can see there are a wide range of fairly unpleasant symptoms that people who have acid reflux can feel. Fortunately there are at least as many effective forms of treatment available. These include eating a more healthy diet, taking medications, changing sleeping habits and doing more exercise.

If you feel you have any of these acid reflux symptoms listed above, then you should research more about the kinds of treatments that are available. If your case is not serious then it should not be necessary to see your doctor yet. Trying some home remedies such as changing your diet should be tried to see if your acid reflux problem can be resolved.

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