Gerd flare up symptoms
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GERD Flare-Up Symptoms: A Comprehensive Overview
Common Symptoms of GERD Flare-Ups
Heartburn and Regurgitation
Heartburn and regurgitation are the hallmark symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation behind the sternum or in the epigastric area, while regurgitation involves the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus or mouth, often leading to a sour or bitter taste 137.
Dysphagia and Esophageal Injury
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is another significant symptom of GERD, often indicating esophageal injury. This symptom is considered an alarm sign and warrants further medical evaluation 35.
Extraesophageal Symptoms
GERD can also present with extraesophageal symptoms such as chronic cough, laryngitis, and asthma. These symptoms are often multifactorial and can complicate the diagnosis and management of GERD 39.
Pediatric GERD Symptoms
Infants
In infants, GERD symptoms include back arching, choking or gagging, hiccups, irritability, refusal to feed, and vomiting or regurgitation. Vomiting/regurgitation is particularly prevalent, affecting up to 90% of infants with GERD 24.
Young Children
For young children, symptoms extend to abdominal pain, burping or belching, choking when eating, difficulty swallowing, refusal to eat, and vomiting or regurgitation. These symptoms can significantly impact the child's quality of life and feeding habits 24.
Dyspeptic Symptoms in GERD
Nausea and Vomiting
Patients with GERD frequently report dyspeptic symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are more common in patients with nonerosive disease and often do not respond well to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy .
Bloating and Early Satiety
Other dyspeptic symptoms include bloating, early satiety, and belching. These symptoms can improve with PPI therapy, although the response varies among individuals .
Risk Factors and Complications
Lifestyle and Demographic Factors
Risk factors for GERD symptoms include advanced age, male sex, white race, abdominal obesity, and tobacco use. These factors can exacerbate the frequency and severity of GERD symptoms 45.
Long-Term Complications
Chronic, untreated GERD can lead to severe complications such as erosive esophagitis, esophageal strictures, and Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition that can progress to esophageal adenocarcinoma 710.
Conclusion
GERD flare-ups manifest through a variety of symptoms, ranging from the classic heartburn and regurgitation to more complex dyspeptic and extraesophageal symptoms. Understanding these symptoms and their risk factors is crucial for effective diagnosis and management, particularly in vulnerable populations such as infants and young children. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by GERD.
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