Acid Reflux

Common signs

These descriptions can help you understand and record what you notice. They cannot establish a diagnosis on their own.

• Burning behind the breastbone (heartburn) +

  A burning feeling behind the chest bone, often after meals or when bending over or lying down. Track how often it happens; episodes several times a week warrant a medical evaluation.

• Sour or bitter taste from regurgitation +

  Stomach contents rising up and leaving a sour or bitter taste in your mouth. If it's frequent, review meal size and timing first; if it persists, see a doctor.

• Bloating and belching after meals +

  Upper abdominal fullness and frequent burping after eating. Note whether it's tied to eating fast, large portions, or greasy and spicy foods.

• Lump-in-throat feeling or chronic cough +

  A persistent sensation of something in the throat, frequent throat-clearing, or a cough that won't go away. Reflux can cause these throat symptoms too; if they persist, get them checked.

• Symptoms worse at night or when lying down +

  Heartburn and regurgitation that intensify when you lie down, sometimes disrupting sleep. Raising the head of the bed and avoiding late meals may help; frequent episodes still merit a doctor's visit.