Ghassan Al-Sabbagh, an experienced physician who runs a private practice in Wake Forest, NC, has helped thousands of patients in his career. A specialist in gastroenterology and hepatology, one of the common ailments he’s treated is acid reflux. While it’s easy to think that acid reflux is an easy problem to spot and treat, it’s symptoms can be less than obvious in many instances.
Acid reflux, or heartburn, can cause Barrett’s esophagus if left untreated, which is a forerunner
to esophageal cancer. The following are some symptoms of acid reflux you need
to watch out for.
Chest pain
Chest pain occurs when stomach acid reaches the esophagus, which is a classic symptom of acid
reflux. Sometimes, however, the pain can carry on longer and become more
intense. Chest pain, regardless of intensity, shouldn’t be ignored, especially
if it gets worse with physical activity.
Nausea
It’s hard to associate nausea with acid reflux, but it is an
unusual symptom of the condition. If nausea
tends to start after meals, it’s an indication that acid reflux might be the
cause. Antacid medication can be the solution
to ease the discomfort.
Hoarse voice
You might think a cracking voice
is the result of a cold you feel coming on, but
stomach acid leaking into the esophagus
can also be a reason. When your voice gets gruff, especially after
eating, it could be reflux.
Difficulty in swallowing
With time, the damage caused by acid reflux scars the esophageal tissue, which in turn swells and
makes it difficult to eat.
Ghassan Al-Sabbagh MD runs a GI practice with offices in Wake
Forest, Raleigh, Knightdale and Louisburg in North Carolina.
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