Typical symptoms:

1. Burning sensation in chest or upper abdomen (heartburn) related to meals or body position and relieved with acid reducing medications such as Tums®
2. Regurgitation of acid (sour or salty fluid backwashing into the esophagus or into the mouth)

Symptoms that may be due to GERD:

1. Feeling of fullness in the throat
2. Mucous in the back of the throat
3. Vague abdominal pain, usually upper stomach area (indigestion) *COULD INDICATE A HEART PROBLEM
4. Chest discomfort without burning *COULD INDICATE A HEART PROBLEM
5. Abdominal bloating or belching
6. Hoarseness of the voice
7. Chronic cough or wheezing/asthma
8. Waking up at night with a choking sensation
9. Using a lot of antacids for "indigestion" *COULD INDICATE A HEART PROBLEM

Warning signs of severe GERD or esophageal cancer

1. Bloody, red or black bowel movements
2. Vomiting blood or coffee ground looking material
3. Food getting stuck in the esophagus
4. Anemia (low blood count)
5. Unexplained weight loss

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