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Acid Reflux Symptoms With Wet Burps And Chest Pains

By Tracy Kerr-Walshe

Acid reflux symptoms encompass everything from chest pain, nausea and shortness of breath to a sour taste in the mouth, sore throat and coughing fits. Due to its varying nature, it can masquerade itself as many other problems. How can you tell heartburn from more serious ailments that could land you in the hospital?

Thirty-one patients flooded into the Brigham and Women’s Hospital emergency room in Boston, complaining of serious chest pain. It was later found that 57% of the patients merely suffered from Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease.

Study investigator Dr. Julia J. Liu commented, "Often the role of acid reflux has been overlooked as a potential factor in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with serious chest pain.

See A Medical Doctor To Confirm Diagnosis

But, it is important for patients never to assume their chest pain is caused by GERD, until they have been thoroughly evaluated by a physician to rule out heart disease. If they experience persistent chest pain, they should seek emergency medical care."

There are two types of heartburn - upright reflux, where patients are awake with noticeable discomfort, and supine reflux, which is more frequent in women and occurs when patients are asleep.

Nighttime GERD Affects Sleep And Quality Of Life

Nighttime GERD affects approximately 10% of Americans, according to a study done by Dynogen Pharmaceuticals. In a separate study (conducted at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System in Tucson), nearly three-fourths of the patients with chronic gerd symptoms also suffered sleeping symptoms such as snoring, coughing and chest pain.

"Nighttime GERD affects a large number of patients, and the impact on sleep and quality of life should not be underestimated," commented study leader Dr. Fass, who hopes to find more effective cures for supine reflux. Studies show that esophagus damage can occur with too much exposure to acid.

Wet Burps And Nausea

Sometimes it’s easy to overlook acid reflux symptoms, especially if they occur after eating foods you’ve been able to eat without incident your whole life. It can be shocking to know that you suddenly have a digestive disease.

Occasionally, symptoms resemble regurgitation or a "wet burp," which could just be a momentary thing and not cause for panic. Nausea may be just an isolated incidence. However, if it persists for several weeks or months straight or if vomiting occurs as frequently as once a day, you may have acidreflux!

A Heavy Meal May Bring On Alarming SYmptoms

Often times the chest pain worries people the most, who believe they may be having a heart attack. Both a heart attack and gerd symptoms could arrive after a heavy meal and leave its victim gasping for breath, doubled over with abdomen pain and sweating.

In some cases, displaced acid in the esophagus activates nerves that impair blood flow to the heart temporarily, which can be a terrifying sensation! While chest pain should not be taken lightly, here are some key differences to help you differentiate an Alkaseltzer cure from a trip to the hospital.

Chest Pain And Heart Attacks

Symptoms usually last for hours, while a heart attack generally lasts several minutes. H2 blockers or antacids will cure heartburn, while symptoms from a heart attack (like irregular heartbeat, pain, sweating and disorientation) will persist 15-20 minutes after taking the medication.

Chest pain associated with symptoms may radiate vertically from the gut to the esophagus, but heart attacks often start beneath the right breast bone or on the left side of the chest and radiate along the length of the arms or from the chest to the back.

Bending Or Lifting After A Meal

You’ll feel heartburn and acid reflux symptoms worsen if you’re bending or lifting shortly after you’ve eaten, but with a heart attack, the smallest exertion makes you feel as though your heart may burst at any moment.

Acid Reflux symptoms can be as slight as a bitter taste or uncomfortably wet burp after a meal, or as severe as heart-attack-like chest pains and splitting abdominal cramps. As a general rule, try taking an antacid like Alkaseltzer and see if the symptoms improve.

If you’re finding that you frequently suffer discomfort after eating, then review your options and check with your doctor to ensure it’s not a more serious issue.

Please Note: All information given on this site is for general information purposes and is not to replace any medical opinion or medical diagnosis given by a qualified medical doctor, a dietitian/nutritional expert or any other medical expert, as individual circumstances may vary. Please see your medical doctor, before any action is taken to alleviate symptoms.

This Article was about Acid Reflux Symptoms.

About the Author:
Tracy Kerr-Walshe is an author of articles on health, diet, weight loss and nutrition including Whole Foods, Organic Foods, Healthy Snacks, Effective Weight Loss, Full Body Detox, Juice Fasting.
Keep a lookout for more of her articles coming soon.

More About Acid Reflux

How do I know if I have acid reflux?

The only way to know if you have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), otherwise known as acid reflux, is by seeing a health professional. Your family physician will assess your condition and will most likely refer you to a gastroenterologist for further diagnosis.

The gastroenterologist will place a catheter into your esophagus and measure the amount of acid and bile coming into your esophagus and then determine if you truly have acid reflux disease.