Acid Reflux Symptoms

Recognize the signs of acid reflux and GERD — from common heartburn to silent reflux. Know when symptoms may suggest something that needs medical attention.

Common Symptoms

Acid reflux symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. The most common include:

Heartburn

A burning sensation in the chest, often after eating, that may worsen when lying down or bending over.

Regurgitation

A sour or bitter taste in the back of your throat caused by stomach acid or undigested food flowing back up.

Difficulty Swallowing

A feeling that food is stuck in your throat or chest, known as dysphagia. This may suggest esophageal narrowing.

Chronic Cough

A persistent cough, especially at night, that doesn't respond to typical cough treatments may be related to acid reflux.

Silent Reflux (LPR)

Not all acid reflux causes heartburn. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), often called "silent reflux," occurs when stomach acid reaches the throat and voice box. Symptoms may include:

  • Hoarseness or voice changes, especially in the morning
  • Feeling of a lump in the throat (globus sensation)
  • Frequent throat clearing
  • Chronic postnasal drip
  • Difficulty swallowing

Nighttime Symptoms

Acid reflux symptoms often worsen at night because lying down makes it easier for acid to flow back into the esophagus. Nighttime symptoms may include:

  • Waking up with a sour taste or burning in the chest
  • Choking or coughing episodes during sleep
  • Morning sore throat or hoarseness
  • Disrupted sleep patterns

If nighttime reflux is affecting your sleep, lifestyle changes like elevating the head of your bed and avoiding late meals can make a significant difference.

When to See a Doctor

Consider seeing a healthcare provider if you experience: symptoms more than twice a week, difficulty swallowing, unintended weight loss, persistent vomiting, chest pain (which should be evaluated to rule out cardiac causes), or symptoms that don't improve with over-the-counter medications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If it's happening more than twice a week, or if Tums and Pepcid aren't cutting it anymore, that's your signal. Definitely don't wait if you're having trouble swallowing, losing weight without trying, or getting chest pain. Chest pain especially, get that checked, because you need to rule out your heart before blaming your stomach. And if you've been making lifestyle changes for two weeks with no improvement, it's time.
Here's what throws people off: silent reflux (LPR) usually doesn't cause heartburn at all. Instead you get this annoying chronic cough, or you're constantly clearing your throat. Some people feel like there's a lump stuck in their throat. Morning hoarseness is a big one. A lot of people go months thinking it's allergies or a sinus problem before someone figures out it's actually acid making its way up to the throat and voice box.
Yes, and it can feel surprisingly similar to a heart attack. That burning or tightness behind your breastbone. This is exactly why you should never try to diagnose chest pain yourself. That said, there are clues: reflux chest pain tends to get worse after eating or lying down, and antacids often help. Heart-related chest pain is more likely to come with shortness of breath or arm pain. But the bottom line? If you're having chest pain and you're not sure, get it checked. Better safe.
Gravity. When you're upright during the day, it helps keep acid where it belongs. Lie flat and that advantage disappears. On top of that, you swallow less when you're asleep, so acid that gets into the esophagus just sits there longer. And if you ate dinner at 8 and went to bed at 9, your stomach is still working overtime. Two things that genuinely help: raise the head of your bed 6-8 inches (not just extra pillows, the whole head of the bed), and stop eating at least 3 hours before you lie down.
GERD Dr. AI
Acid Reflux Specialist
Hello! I can help with your acid reflux questions. Ask me about symptoms, triggers, treatments, or medications.