GERD symptoms

Overview

GERD is acid moving up from the stomach into the esophagus. Classic heartburn is easy; atypical GERD can present as cough, hoarseness, or chest pain.

Symptoms to watch for

• Burning behind the breastbone
• Sour taste in mouth
• Regurgitation
• Chronic cough or hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest pain (must rule out cardiac)

Treatment

Lifestyle: elevate head of bed, avoid late meals, weight loss, reduce alcohol/caffeine/spicy foods. PPIs (omeprazole, pantoprazole) 8-week trial. Endoscopy for red flags or refractory symptoms.