What are the main symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux?

In general, gastroesophageal reflux may be caused by relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents to flow back through the esophagus into the mouth. Main symptoms include acid regurgitation, heartburn, localized pain, nausea and vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a reputable hospital upon experiencing discomfort. Specific details are as follows:

1. Acid Regurgitation

During gastroesophageal reflux, stomach acid and gastric digestive fluids flow backward into the esophagus, irritating the esophageal mucosa. Patients may perceive a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, with symptoms often worsening when lying down or bending over.

2. Heartburn

Due to the backflow of stomach acid and digestive fluids into the esophagus, irritation of the esophageal lining can cause patients to feel a burning sensation or heat in the chest or upper abdomen, particularly after eating or when lying down.

3. Localized Pain

Irritation of the esophageal mucosa by stomach acid and digestive fluids may lead to pain or discomfort in the esophageal area, which may sometimes intensify.

4. Nausea and Vomiting

When stomach contents reflux into the esophagus, they may irritate both the esophagus and the portion of the stomach located below the diaphragm, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, which may involve regurgitation of food remnants or gastric acid.

5. Difficulty Swallowing

Gastroesophageal reflux can easily damage the esophageal mucosa or trigger inflammatory reactions in surrounding tissues, impairing esophageal motility and resulting in difficulty swallowing.

In addition to the above common symptoms, chronic cough may also occur, and in severe cases, asthma may develop as a complication. Patients should promptly follow medical advice to take oral medications such as famotidine tablets, ranitidine hydrochloride capsules, or omeprazole enteric-coated tablets. If necessary, surgical intervention may be considered to prevent disease progression.