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Signs of acid reflux and its effects on the body you might be ignoring

Acid reflux can masquerade as everything from a cold to poor dental hygiene. If you notice any of the following GERD signs, especially if you also get typical heartburn symptoms, talk to your doctor.

A sore throat that doesn’t go away and isn’t accompanied by typical cold symptoms (like a runny nose) may in fact be a symptom of acid reflux. “Your throat feels sore because a little bit of acid is coming up from the esophagus and irritating the throat,” says Gina Sam, MD, MPH, a gastroenterologist and the director of the Mount Sinai Gastrointestinal Motility Center in New York, NY. Unexplained hoarseness may be caused by stomach acid moving up to your larynx, or voice box, and tends to be more noticeable in the mornings when it’s had all night to travel while you were lying down. These natural remedies for heartburn relief may help silent acid reflux too.

Persistent cough or wheezing

“Wheezing or a cough that mimics asthma or bronchitis can be caused by acid reflux moving from the stomach to the lungs,” says Evan Dellon, MD, the director of the Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, NC. On the other hand, wheezers and coughers can sometimes make themselves more prone to reflux, says Dr. Dellon, because the actions put pressure on the belly and push stomach acid upward.

You’re having dental problems

If you’re a dedicated brusher and flosser but your dentist is still filling cavities, tells you your tooth enamel is eroding, or notices discoloration, acid reflux may be to blame. “Even a small amount of acid reflux making its way up from the esophagus to your throat or mouth while lying down can impact tooth enamel,” says Dr. Dellon. It’s a good idea to avoid eating these foods if you have acid reflux.

You have trouble swallowing

Food getting stuck when you swallow, liquid that just won’t go down, or the sensation that something is stuck in your throat could all be acid reflux symptoms, says Dr. Sam. Chronic reflux can irritate the throat, and scar tissue can develop in the esophagus and narrow it. See your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing, as this can also be a symptom of other more serious conditions. Don’t miss these foods that can make your heartburn and reflux worse.

(11/14/2020)
by The Healthy

More Information: https://www.thehealthy.com/digestive-health/acid-reflux-symptoms/

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