Reflux Esophagitis Symptoms: What You Need To Know

Reflux esophagitis can cause a variety of symptoms that are categorized into esophageal and extra-esophageal types. The most common esophageal symptoms include typical signs such as acid regurgitation and heartburn, along with atypical symptoms like chest pain and difficulty swallowing. Acid reflux and heartburn often occur within an hour after eating and may worsen when lying down, bending over, or experiencing increased abdominal pressure. Some people may even experience these symptoms during sleep.

Acid regurgitation refers to the sensation of stomach or duodenal contents rising into the throat or mouth without nausea or effort. When this has a sour taste, it is referred to as acid regurgitation, which may also include undigested food particles. Heartburn is described as a burning sensation behind the breastbone or just below it, often extending upward from the lower part of the sternum.

Chest pain caused by GERD is typically located behind the breastbone and can feel like a sharp, intense stabbing sensation. In severe cases, the pain may radiate to the chest area, back, shoulders, neck, and even behind the ears. Sometimes, it can mimic angina, with or without accompanying heartburn or acid regurgitation.

Difficulty swallowing or the feeling of something stuck in the chest could be due to esophageal spasms or motility disorders. These symptoms tend to come and go intermittently and may occur with both solid and liquid foods.

In addition to direct effects on the esophagus, extra-esophageal symptoms can also develop. These may include asthma, chronic cough, aspiration pneumonia, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hoarseness, throat discomfort, and dental erosion. Some patients report a persistent sensation of something lodged in their throat despite no actual difficulty swallowing, a condition known as globus sensation or "hysterical ball" symptom.

Understanding these symptoms can help individuals seek timely diagnosis and treatment for better management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).