You’ve just finished dinner. Maybe it was a spicy curry, or a cheesy lasagna. Within minutes, you feel a burning sensation rising up your chest. Sound familiar?
That uncomfortable fire climbing from your stomach to your throat could be more than just indigestion. It might be an early sign of GERD—Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
But how do you really know if what you’re feeling is GERD or just a one-off reaction to dinner? Let’s break it down.
What Is GERD, Really?
Let’s keep it simple. GERD happens when acid from your stomach flows back up into your food pipe (esophagus). It’s like your stomach’s contents taking the wrong exit—and trust me, your throat doesn’t appreciate it.
Occasional reflux? That’s normal. But when it starts happening often—say, twice a week or more—it’s time to pay attention.
Why Recognising Symptoms Early Matters
Imagine a small leak in your roof. At first, it’s just a few drops. But over time, it damages the ceiling, walls, maybe even the entire structure.
GERD works the same way. If left untreated, it can lead to complications like esophageal inflammation, ulcers, or even a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which increases cancer risk.
Recognising early symptoms means you can take action before things get serious.
Common Early Symptoms of GERD (Don’t Ignore These!)
Let’s get into the signs your body might be giving you—sometimes subtle, sometimes loud.
🔥 Frequent Heartburn
That burning feeling in your chest after meals? Especially if it gets worse when you lie down or bend over? That’s heartburn. And if it keeps returning, it could be more than a random flare-up.
👅 Sour or Bitter Taste in the Mouth
Ever felt something rise into your throat that tastes a bit like vomit or battery acid? That’s called regurgitation, and it’s one of GERD’s classic symptoms.
💨 Bloating and Burping
We all burp. But if you’re burping often, or feel unusually full after small meals, it might not just be gas—it could be acid buildup.
😵 Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
Food should glide down easily—not feel like it’s getting stuck halfway. If you’re finding it harder to swallow, your esophagus might be inflamed.
😷 Chronic Cough or Sore Throat
Caught a cold? Maybe not. GERD can mimic respiratory symptoms. If you’re constantly clearing your throat, coughing, or waking up with a sore throat, acid might be the culprit.
🗣️ Hoarseness or Voice Changes
Ever wake up sounding like you yelled all night at a concert—but didn’t? GERD-related acid can irritate your vocal cords, affecting your voice.
Surprising or “Silent” Symptoms You Might Not Expect
Sometimes GERD doesn’t shout—it whispers.
- Tooth Sensitivity or Erosion: Acid doesn’t just hurt your throat. It can wear away your tooth enamel too.
- Chronic Bad Breath: Not even mouthwash helps? Acid reflux can leave behind an unpleasant smell.
- Worsening Asthma or Shortness of Breath: Especially at night or after meals.
- Feeling Like Something’s Stuck in Your Throat: A common complaint called “globus sensation.”
If these sound oddly familiar but you’ve never linked them to your stomach, you’re not alone.
How GERD Looks Different in Babies and Children
Little ones can get GERD too—but they show it differently.
- Babies: Excessive spit-up, arching their back during feeding, crying more than usual.
- Children: Refusing food, bad breath, constant sore throat.
If your child seems extra fussy around mealtimes or struggles with eating, it’s worth discussing reflux with a paediatrician.
When Should You Worry?
Here’s the deal: if you’re getting heartburn now and then, especially after eating a big meal, it’s probably nothing to panic about.
But if it’s happening:
- More than twice a week
- Worsening over time
- Affecting your sleep or daily life
…then it’s worth talking to a doctor.
Red flag symptoms? Don’t delay.
- Trouble swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting blood or black stool
These could signal something more serious.
How GERD Is Diagnosed
Doctors don’t just rely on guesswork.
They may:
- Ask about your symptoms and lifestyle habits
- Suggest a trial of acid-reducing medication
- Order tests like an endoscopy or 24-hour pH monitoring to see how often acid travels where it shouldn’t
You don’t need to jump to tests immediately—but getting a proper evaluation can offer peace of mind.
Simple Tools to Track Your Symptoms
Ever tried journaling your meals and symptoms? It’s a game-changer.
- Write down what you eat, when symptoms appear, and their severity
- Use free apps like MySymptoms or RefluxLog to spot patterns
You might find that certain foods or habits—like late-night snacking—are making things worse.
Can You Do Anything Before Seeing a Doctor?
Absolutely.
Try these small changes:
- Eat smaller meals
- Avoid lying down after eating (wait 2–3 hours)
- Prop your head up while sleeping
- Cut back on triggers like caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and fried foods
Sometimes, a few tweaks can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Gut (Literally)
GERD doesn’t always show up with flashing lights and alarms. Sometimes it’s subtle—a persistent cough, a funny taste, a bit of chest discomfort.
But your body’s trying to tell you something. Will you listen?
If these symptoms ring a bell, don’t ignore them. Talk to your doctor, make small changes, and take back control of your comfort and health.
References
- “Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)”, Mayo Clinic, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940
- “Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults”, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), 2023. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults
- “Symptoms and Causes of GERD”, Cleveland Clinic, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10331-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd