"1. what are some potential symptoms a patient may report who has reflux or ulcers"

When should I see a doctor about my acid reflux symptoms?

It's time to see your doctor if you have acid reflux symptoms two or more times a week or if medications don't bring lasting relief. Symptoms such as heartburn are the key to the diagnosis of acid reflux disease, especially if lifestyle changes, antacids, or acid-blocking medications help reduce these symptoms.

What are the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 1 Overview. Gastroesophageal reflux disease... 2 Symptoms. Seek immediate medical care if you have chest pain, especially if you also have shortness... 3 Causes. GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux. 4 Risk factors. 5 Complications. Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture).

Should I ignore my acid reflux symptoms?

Although acid reflux is extremely common and rarely serious, don't ignore your acid reflux symptoms. Making a few lifestyle changes and using over-the-counter antacids are often all you need to control acid reflux symptoms.

Should I talk to my doctor about my heartburn symptoms?

A heartburn problem is worth investigating, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms more than twice a week for several weeks. To reach a diagnosis your doctor will conduct a full exam.

What are the clinical signs and symptoms of peptic ulceration?

These symptoms include epigastric pain that worsens with eating, postprandial belching and epigastric fullness, early satiety, fatty food intolerance, nausea, and occasional vomiting [2,5].

What is the main complaint of people with acid reflux?

A person with acid reflux, or heartburn, might feel a burning, often painful sensation in their throat and chest. Drinking water, low fat milk, and herbal teas may help reduce symptoms. Acid reflux, or heartburn, occurs when stomach acid flows up into a person's esophagus, or food pipe.

Which symptoms should be assessed for in a patient suspected of having GERD?

Alarm symptoms include dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and odynophagia (painful swallowing), which may represent presence of complications such as strictures, ulceration, and/or malignancy. Other alarm signs and symptoms include, but are not limited to, anemia, bleeding, and weight loss.

What are common clinical findings associated with the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease?

The classic symptoms are heartburn and regurgitation, which may also include dysphagia. In the absence of classic symptoms, GERD becomes more difficult to diagnose. Other symptoms that may be caused by GERD are atypical chest pain, hoarseness, nausea, cough, odynophagia and asthma.

What are the symptoms of acidity in stomach?

Some signs that you may have high stomach acid include:abdominal discomfort, which may be worse on an empty stomach.nausea or vomiting.bloating.heartburn.diarrhea.decreased appetite.unexplained weight loss.

What are the symptoms of heartburn?

When you have heartburn, you may also feel symptoms like:A burning feeling in your chest that can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.Pain in your chest when you bend over or lay down.A burning feeling in your throat.A hot, sour, acidic or salty taste in the back of your throat.More items...•

Which of the following symptoms are considered atypical for GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease typically manifests as heartburn and regurgitation, but it may also present with atypical or extraesophageal symptoms, including asthma, chronic cough, laryngitis, hoarseness, chronic sore throat, dental erosions, and noncardiac chest pain.

How can you diagnose and verify a patient to be experience GERD?

The esophageal pH test is commonly used to help confirm the diagnosis of GERD or to identify the cause of various symptoms. Esophageal manometry is an outpatient test that can identify problems with movement and pressure in the esophagus that may lead to problems like heartburn.

Which symptoms in a patient with a hiatal hernia would indicate reflux?

SymptomsHeartburn.Regurgitation of food or liquids into the mouth.Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus (acid reflux)Difficulty swallowing.Chest or abdominal pain.Feeling full soon after you eat.Shortness of breath.Vomiting of blood or passing of black stools, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.

What are the complications associated with GERD?

When left untreated, GERD (or acid reflux) can lead to complications, including:Adult onset asthma.Esophagitis (Inflammation, irritation, or swelling of the esophagus)Stricture (Narrowing of the esophagus)Barrett's Esophagus (Pre-cancerous changes to the esophagus)Regurgitation of acid into the lungs.Sinusitis.More items...

What causes gastroesophageal reflux disease?

GERD is a digestive disorder. It is caused by gastric acid flowing from your stomach back up into your food pipe (esophagus). Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. Some lifestyle issues that may cause GERD include being overweight, overeating, having caffeine and alcohol, and eating chocolate and spicy foods.

What causes acid reflux?

The most common cause is food that's acidic or high in fat—like citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, cheese, and peppermint. Spicy foods or large meals can also be the root of distress. Other sources of heartburn include aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as some sedatives and blood pressure medications.