30Nov
Acid reflux symptoms are fairly common across age groups. Surprisingly, they occur even in infants and young children, although the disease usually disappears as they grow older.
However, if acid reflux symptoms persist over long periods of time, it can do real damage at all ages. Since acid reflux involves regurgitation of stomach acids into the esophagus, the soft tissue of the esophagus may become scarred, swollen or inflamed as a result.
Acid reflux can also lead to several other health issues ranging from voice problems to esophagus cancer. The greater the frequency with which the problem occurs, the higher the probability of serious damage.
That is why it is essential to be aware of acid reflux symptoms and take remedial action if they persist.
Formally known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease, acid reflux can have several interrelated causes. Excessive generation of acidic fluids in the stomach, harmful diet, alcohol consumption, reduced esophageal pressure, incorrect contraction of the sphincter at the lower end of the esophagus – one or more of these and other factors could cause acid reflux.
The lower esophageal sphincter muscle is meant to keep the stomach contents confined to the stomach. Sometimes, it doesn’t do its job well. It may become too relaxed or function inappropriately, which results in a mixture of food and digestive juices in the stomach coming up into the esophagus.
Infants exhibit the highest incidence of acid reflux among various age groups. Most infants will outgrow the symptoms over time. But if that doesn’t happen, other complications can result in their gastro intestinal system.
Common acid reflux symptoms in infants include the following:
- Vomiting
- Coughing
- Persistent irritability
- Discomfort when they feed
- Traces of blood in the feces
While most of these acid reflux symptoms occur in infants of age three months or below, if the problem persists past twelve months, it should be viewed with seriousness.
If an infant shows any of the following symptoms, it may mean that the problem is worsening.
- Spitting blood
- Blood coming up while coughing
- Breathing problems
- Significant pain or discomfort while feeding
- Inadequate growth
Adults may show acid reflux symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain at various times that tends to get worse after eating
- Abdominal pain that grows worse when lying down
- Excess saliva secretion
- Bitter taste in the mouth for no known reason
- Bad breath
Having some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that the person has acid reflux, since these symptoms are not unique to acid reflux. However, if the symptoms occur frequently – say more than two or three times a week – the person may have chronic acid reflux disease.
Some acid reflux symptoms may indicate that the person has developed greater complications from the disease. Here are some of those symptoms to watch out for.
- Poor appetite
- Blood in stools
- Blood in vomit
- Difficulty swallowing
- Inflamed throat area
- Burning / aching sensation in the chest
- Breathing difficulties
If you notice any of these acid reflux symptoms indicating severe disease, or if the less severe symptoms persist, it is important to see a doctor immediately. It is often possible to control the symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
The information contained in or made available through This Site cannot replace or substitute for the services of trained professionals in the medical field. We do not recommend any treatment, drug, food or supplement. You should regularly consult a doctor in all matters relating to physical or mental health, particularly concerning any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.
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