GERD Symptoms: Signs of Acid Reflux and Its Complications

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition in which acidic stomach contents flow back (reflux) into the esophagus. It is the second most common disorder of the digestive system and can cause intense symptoms and serious complications. In Europe, it affects about 9% to 26% of the population.

What are the symptoms of reflux?

Many people complain of heartburn or a burning feeling after eating, but few seek a timely diagnosis of the cause. Depending on whether it is mild or not, gastroesophageal reflux can cause the following symptoms:

• Heartburn
• Belching
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Nighttime cough
• Voice changes
• Chest pain
• A choking sensation
• A feeling of a lump in the throat that resembles anxiety

What complications can it cause?

If gastroesophageal reflux is not diagnosed and treated in time, it can lead to serious complications, such as:

• Esophagitis (inflammation of the inner lining of the esophagus)
• Esophageal stricture
• Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous condition)
• Asthma
• Chronic laryngitis

About 5 to 15 out of 100 patients with gastroesophageal reflux eventually develop Barrett’s esophagus.

To relieve the patient’s symptoms and avoid complications, early diagnosis and the right treatment approach are crucial.

What causes reflux symptoms?

Gastroesophageal reflux can be caused by:

• A hiatal hernia (see large hiatal hernia)
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Eating high-fat foods
• Increased intra-abdominal pressure
• Medication (e.g., aspirin) or medical conditions (e.g., asthma)

When do symptoms need to be checked?

When symptoms persist, diagnosis starts with a clinical evaluation and a medical history. The doctor may order specialized tests, such as esophagoscopy, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, a chest X-ray and manometry.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. In mild cases, lifestyle changes help: avoiding large meals, lying down after eating, caffeinated drinks, alcohol, fatty foods and smoking. Although medication can be effective in patients without other abnormal findings (e.g., a hiatal hernia), it cannot be a long-term treatment. When symptoms persist or return after stopping it, when there are complications or a significant hiatal hernia, surgical treatment with Nissen fundoplication is considered.

See the details on the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and hiatal hernia.

To learn more about the symptoms and their treatment, contact pioneering robotic general surgeon Dr. Konstantinos Konstantinidis.