Atypical Signs of GERD

It is hard to say just what is normal.  This is especially the case when the subject is already about an abnormality.  I'm talking about GERD.  GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. 

Before you concern yourself with symptoms, it is a good idea to know what this health condition really is.  Almost everyone has experience some heartburn in their lives.  This is completely normal.  If you have this burning sensation in your chest every once in a while, you don't need to worry.  You should start worrying if it comes with other symptoms or is more severe and chronic.  GERD happens when the valve connecting the esophagus and the stomach is faulty.  The valve is supposed to stay shut unless food or drink needs to pass through it.  people with GERD find that their valve gets stuck open.  This can cause problems because stomach acid will creep its way up into the esophagus, causing damage and pain. 

Besides a general heartburn feeling, there are other symptoms of GERD that you need to be aware of.  Typically, you may feel as though you are having trouble swallowing.  This is normal, although it is a bit disconcerting.  It feels as though you have something stuck at the top of your throat, and no matter how much you swallow, it won't go away.  This can be a scary feeling for many people.  Also with GERD, your feelings of heartburn will be more frequent and will be generally much more painful than what you would get with regular common heartburn.  These are the regular symptoms of the disease. 

Then there are symptoms that aren't so common.  They can often be mistaken for other illnesses, which is a problem because GERD should be diagnosed as early as possible.  While not common, some people get asthmatic symptoms when they have acid reflux disease.  This is because the stomach acid is affecting the esophagus and reacting when you breathe.  Most people would just assume that they have asthma and not get checked for something like GERD.  Another atypical symptom of acid reflux disease is a cough.  Most people with this illness will not have this symptom.  That doesn't mean you don't have it, though.  If you are having heartburn symptoms with an accompanying cough, then there may be something seriously wrong.

It is very important that you get yourself check out as soon as you can.  If GERD goes unchecked, it can lead to a lot of serious health problems, including ulcers and spasms in your esophagus.  Some people even develop esophageal cancer because of GERD.  If you are exhibiting symptoms, whether they are normal or atypical, you should visit your doctor as soon as you can.  This way, you will be able to avoid any of the nasty side effects that come from this terrible, painful and serious illness.  Your doctor will likely give you medication or suggest a diet change if they do find that you have acid reflux disease.  Be sure to follow their orders in order to feel better.