Acid reflux is a common medical condition that occurs when a muscular ring located at the point where the esophagus meets the stomach becomes weak and doesn't close properly. Known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), this weakened muscle allows stomach acid and contents to travel back into the esophagus and cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

The symptoms that result from acid reflux can range in severity from mild to severe. To see what acid reflux feels like, here is a look at some of its most common symptoms:

1. Heartburn

This is by far the most common symptom of acid reflux. When stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus, its acidic nature can cause the sensation of heartburn. This is felt as a burning sensation in the chest and occurs most often after a meal or in the evening. This discomfort can increase when lying down or bending over.

For some people, the incidence of heartburn may be triggered by certain foods such as spicy, fatty, or fried foods, tomato or citrus products, or even chocolate. Other common offenders include chocolate, alcohol, or eating large meals.

2. Chronic dry cough

Some people experience a dry cough as a symptom of acid reflux. This is most often caused when someone suffers from a more severe form of acid reflux known as GERD. In GERD, the incidence of acid reflux is more common with the sufferer experiencing more frequent episodes of discomfort. The persistent discomfort brings on a GERD-induced cough which can become chronic .

The cough is mostly experienced after a meal or when you lie down. The same can also be more aggravating at night time. A constant GERD-related cough can cause further inflammation and soreness of the throat and lead to hoarseness and difficulty swallowing.

3. Sour taste in the mouth/regurgitation

Another symptom that tells you what acid reflux feels like is a sour taste in the mouth. This is an unpleasant sensation caused by food containing enzymes and digestive acids entering the esophagus. Because there is no protective lining in the esophagus, the acidity of the stomach contents irritate this region and bring about a bitter or sour taste in the mouth.

The same can also cause bad breath to occur and may occasionally be accompanied by acrid-smelling burps as well.

Causes of Acid Reflux

While the most common cause of acid reflux is a weakened LES allowing food particles back into the esophagus, it can also be caused by a number of other reasons. Some of these include:

1. Obesity

Being obese can contribute to causing and aggravating the symptoms of acid reflux. The connection lies in the extra weight around a person's middle section because too much weight in the abdomen compresses the stomach and increases its internal pressure. The excess pressure can lead to releasing stomach contents back into the esophagus.

2. Smoking

Smoking is another common cause of acid reflux. Experts believe that nicotine content in cigarettes and other smoking devices relaxes the LES thereby allowing stomach acid to trickle back into the esophagus. This trickle-back triggers a burning sensation in the area.

In addition, smoking also has a dehydrating effect which means less saliva is produced in the mouth. Saliva contains acid-neutralizing substances which can be helpful in fighting the effects of acid reflux. However, this dryness in the mouth can also aggravate heartburn symptoms in some individuals.

3. Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the LES to relax more frequently which can increase the incidence of acid reflux. Moreover, as the fetus grows with an advancing pregnancy, the uterus also expands, putting the stomach under greater pressure. This expansion can also cause food and acid to push back into the esophagus.

The Connection Between Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Heartburn vs acid reflux can often be a topic of confusion, but the two are not the same. Heartburn is a primary symptom of acid reflux or other conditions, but it is not a condition by itself. Acid reflux, on the other hand, is a condition where heartburn may be a symptom. However, it isn't the sole symptom and can be accompanied by other forms of discomfort such as a sore throat, abdominal discomfort, nausea, bloating, and a feeling of tightness in the chest.

The thing is that not everyone with acid reflux experiences heartburn. To understand what heartburn feels like, it's important to know the condition can occur on its own presenting symptoms that feel like a burning pain or discomfort around the chest area.

Causes of Heartburn not Induced by Acid Reflux

When heartburn occurs aside from acid reflux, it can be caused by a number of other factors such as:

1. Overeating

Eating large meals (especially those containing fatty foods) can overwhelm the digestive system. Larger meals swell up the stomach which can then not allow the LES to close properly. When this gateway between the esophagus and stomach remains open, it doesn't prevent food and stomach juices from flowing back into the esophagus.

2. Too much pressure on the stomach

Different activities that create more pressure on the stomach can also be contributory factors to heartburn. For instance, being overweight, bending over after eating, sitting down after eating, consuming fatty foods, or eating a large meal too close to bedtime can all trigger heartburn symptoms. These activities create intra-abdominal pressure. Some of of that pressure is released when mal-digested food is pushed back into the esophagus.

In some instances, there are certain exercises such as crunches or inverted yoga poses that may also put pressure on the stomach and trigger heartburn. High impact exercises may also do the same.

How to Relieve Both Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Since triggers and symptoms overlap for both conditions, it makes sense that similar solutions can help ease the discomfort associated with both heartburn and acid reflux. There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help manage the uncomfortable symptoms:

• Dietary management is crucial to regulating symptoms. Eat a diet that is free of (or at least minimizes) fatty foods. It is better to eat several smaller meals during the day rather than three large meals to avoid putting pressure on the stomach.

• Weight management is also key to reducing heartburn and acid reflux symptoms. Additional weight around the stomach area weakens the LES, so you need to reduce to a healthy weight as shedding excess weight may assist in relieving uncomfortable symptoms.

• Medication may also be used to help with symptom management. There are OTC antacids available which can neutralize stomach acid. Other medications can either reduce acid production or block it entirely. In more severe cases, prescription medication may be used to treat symptoms.