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Heartburn, as its name implies, is a burning sensation that is centered over the area of the heart. However, it has nothing to do with heart problems. This is the same area occupied by the esophagus and this is roughly where heartburn occurs. It is usually worse after eating, especially when lying down. Occasional heartburn can be treated without a doctor’s advice by simple over-the-counter remedies, but more long term heartburn should be investigated by a doctor.

The pain associated with severe heartburn is the most common presenting complaint of acid reflux. It is important to get a doctor to evaluate the pain and verify that acid reflux is the cause rather than a cardiac event such as angina or infarction. The severe pain associated with reflux is most common at night due to the previously noted postural changes.

Dyspepsia, a recurring pain radiating from the upper abdomen, is the second most common of acid reflux symptoms. Just like other symptoms, the evidence of dyspepsia, including any damage to the esophagus, is not consistent or predictable. The patient may only feel a sense of fullness in the stomach area, or may experience vomiting and nausea. It is possible to experience dyspepsia without reflux.

Acid reflux symptoms include regurgitation. This is a sudden feeling that the stomach contents are backing up into the throat or esophagus and a very common symptom. The regurgitation can be associated with nausea, although not necessarily so. In the most severe cases, stomach contents are actually burped up or even vomited. Regurgitation does also normally happen on occasion, especially in small children. By itself it is not an indicator of acid reflux.

There are many symptoms of acid reflux disease. Some of the less common ones may include coughing, wheezing, hoarseness, sore throat, stuffy head, or hiccups. Chronic nausea may also be present and may persist off and on for months. These are not the usual symptoms of acid reflux but may be present in certain cases and should be considered as warning signs.

Usually a diagnosis of acid reflux disease can be made without difficulty by a primary care physician. However, the multitude of symptoms that manifest in acid reflux requires that all differential diagnosis should be ruled out before declaring a definitive diagnosis. When a difficult case presents itself, a trial dosage of medication to temporarily stop stomach acid secretion often produces a clear diagnosis.

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