some potential symptoms a patient may report who has reflux or ulcers

by Brooks Ward I 9 min read

Is It Acid Reflux or an Ulcer: Symptoms, Causes, and …

24 hours ago  · It’s possible for you to have GERD or ulcers — or even both — without experiencing any symptoms. If you do have symptoms, GERD and ulcers can share some similar ones, including: Upper abdominal pain that people often describe as “burning” Nausea and/or vomiting. Decreased appetite. Symptoms that get worse with certain types of foods — like spicy food, … >> Go To The Portal


If you do have symptoms, GERD and ulcers can share some similar ones, including: Upper abdominal pain that people often describe as “burning” Nausea and/or vomiting

Full Answer

Should I talk to my doctor about my ulcer symptoms?

Even if your symptoms are mild, you may have a peptic ulcer. You should see your doctor to talk about your symptoms. Without treatment, your peptic ulcer can get worse.

What are the symptoms of a stomach ulcer?

The symptoms of an ulcer include: 1 Burning upper abdominal pain, particularly between meals, early in the morning, or after drinking orange juice, coffee, or alcohol, or taking aspirin; discomfort is usually relieved after taking antacids 2 Tarry, black, or bloody stools 3 Bloating 4 Heartburn 5 Nausea or vomiting 6 Early feeling of fullness

Can Ulcers cause heartburn and indigestion?

Ulcers can increase the feeling of indigestion or heartburn, a burning feeling near your heart or upper stomach that happens when stomach acid flows up into your esophagus. If you notice increased instances of indigestion or heartburn, a stomach ulcer could be to blame.

What are the symptoms of silent reflux?

Just when it gets too much, it can cause the symptoms of silent reflux. This is the same as a runny nose – just that the mucus runs down your throat. It happens more frequently than a “normal” runny nose when you have reflux. The backside of your nose is simply closer to the reflux. Silent Reflux can irritate your body wherever it goes.

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.

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 the symptoms of an esophageal ulcer?

What are the symptoms of an esophageal ulcer?Difficult or painful swallowing.Pain that is lessened by eating, drinking, or taking antacids.Nausea or vomiting.Acid reflux or indigestion.Dry cough.

How do you know if you have acid reflux or an ulcer?

GERD can also cause trouble swallowing and a cough, which isn't typical of peptic ulcers. Ulcer pain is usually located in the upper abdomen, rather than in the chest. And you may notice it on an empty stomach or a few hours after a meal. This is less likely with GERD, which tends to happen quickly after eating.

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.

Do ulcers cause reflux?

Heartburn- Another symptom of peptic ulcers is heartburn. Heartburn is a condition that's caused when stomach acid flows up into your esophagus. This leads to a burning discomfort below your breastbone or in your upper belly. Your doctor will prescribe medications to relieve your symptoms and help your ulcer heal.

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.

How is an ulcer diagnosed?

The only way your doctor can tell for sure if you have an ulcer is to look. They may use a series of X-rays or a test called an endoscopy. This test allows them to pass a thin, bendy tube down your throat and into your stomach and small intestine.

Hoarseness and Pain While Speaking (often Caused by Reflux Laryngitis)

Laryngitis is a very common silent reflux symptom. It is no wonder that another name for silent reflux is laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).The larynx...

Chronic Cough and Throat Clearing

In the same way that silent reflux can cause asthma, it can also make you cough. This stems from damages in your lungs.Also, LPR hits the mucous me...

Globus Syndrome (Lump in The Throat Sensation)

Some people feel like they have a lump in their throat, or like something is stuck there.Inflammation causes swelling of your mucus membranes. So w...

Oversensitive and Irritated Mucous Membrane in General

Silent Reflux can irritate your body wherever it goes.So all parts of your throat, airways and nose can be irritated.Some people have issues in the...

Excessive Mucus in Your Throat and Airways

When our mucous membranes are irritated, they tend to produce more mucus as a defense mechanism.That is why silent reflux can cause excessive mucus...

Further Silent Reflux Symptoms

You see, LPR can cause a lot of different problems.The more of the symptoms listed above that you have over a long time, the higher the chances are...

How to tell if you have a peptic ulcer?

What are the symptoms of a peptic ulcer? 1 bloating 2 burping 3 feeling sick to your stomach 4 poor appetite 5 vomiting 6 weight loss

How long does it take for a peptic ulcer to come and go?

comes and goes for several days, weeks, or months. Less common symptoms may include. bloating. burping. feeling sick to your stomach. poor appetite. vomiting. weight loss. Even if your symptoms are mild, you may have a peptic ulcer.

How do NSAIDs help with peptic ulcers?

To understand how NSAIDs cause peptic ulcer disease, it is important to understand how NSAIDs work. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce pain, fever, and inflammation, or swelling. Everyone has two enzymes that produce chemicals in your body’s cells that promote pain, inflammation, and fever. NSAIDs work by blocking or reducing the amount of ...

What does it mean when you have blood in your stool?

have sudden, sharp stomach pain that doesn’t go away. These symptoms could be signs that a peptic ulcer has caused a more serious problem. Call your doctor if the pain gets worse.

What does it mean when your stomach hurts?

A dull or burning pain in your stomach is the most common symptom of a peptic ulcer. You may feel the pain anywhere between your belly button and breastbone. The pain most often. happens when your stomach is empty—such as between meals or during the night. stops briefly if you eat or if you take antacids.

What is the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases?

This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.

Can a peptic ulcer get worse?

You should see your doctor to talk about your symptoms. Without treatment, your peptic ulcer can get worse. A dull or burning pain in your stomach is the most common symptom of peptic ulcers.

Why does silent reflux cause mucus?

10) Excessive Mucus in Your Throat and Airways. When our mucous membranes are irritated, they tend to produce more mucus as a defense mechanism. That is why silent reflux can cause excessive mucus anywhere in your airways.

Why does my throat feel like it's swollen?

Inflammation causes swelling of your mucus membranes. So when you have silent reflux, you can indeed have something like a lump in your throat – a lump of swollen tissue. The swelling won’t be big and round, but enough to give you that feeling.

Why is my throat so tight?

The explanation is similar to that of the Globus Syndrome. When you have swelling, this causes your throat to be tighter than it should be. So it is harder for food to get through.

What causes silent reflux?

There is a whole range of silent reflux symptoms. They are directly or indirectly caused by inflammation, which are the result of damages from pepsin. Here are the most common symptoms of silent reflux:

Why do we need our lungs to speak?

Also, we need our lungs to speak. They have to deliver a sufficient and stable airflow to speak correctly. So, if reflux hits the lungs, we can have trouble with our voice as well.

Can silent reflux cause coughing?

In the same way that silent reflux can cause asthma, it can also make you cough. This stems from damages in your lungs. Also, LPR hits the mucous membrane in your airways. This irritation can cause a cough and throat clearing as well. It is very hard for a doctor to tell if a chronic cough is caused by reflux.

What is the most important factor for diagnosing silent reflux?

P.S.: The symptoms are the most important factor for diagnosing silent reflux.

What is a sore on the lining of the stomach called?

A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum; it's often caused by a type of bacteria known as H. pylori or by a medication.

What causes a burning sensation in the middle of the stomach?

The first sign of an ulcer is usually a burning sensation in the upper to middle abdomen that occurs within one to two hours after a meal; it also may cause bloating, belching, heartburn, nausea, or intolerance to fatty foods. The most common causes of peptic ulcers are infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) and long-term use of aspirin and certain other painkillers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox), but not acetaminophen (Tylenol).

What happens if you have a peptic ulcer?

If you have a peptic ulcer, seek treatment to prevent complications, which can include internal bleeding, an infection in your abdominal cavity (caused by a perforated ulcer that has eaten though the wall of the GI tract), and formation of scar tissue that can prevent food from moving through your digestive tract.

Where do duodenal ulcers occur?

A: Duodenal ulcers, a subset of peptic ulcers, occur on the inside of the upper portion of your small intestine (duodenum). Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. About one in 10 Americans will develop a peptic ulcer, making this one of the most common gastrointestinal problems.

How many people have H pylori?

It is estimated that more than half of the world’s population has H. pylori. For some people, H. pylori causes no problems, but for others, it produces infection and ulcers. (See our post on natural treatments for H. pylori-related issues .)

How long does pain last?

Pain that comes and goes; it may last an hour, several hours, or a few days, and it may go away, only to recur in a few days or even weeks.

What does it mean when your belly is burning?

Pain and/or a burning sensation in your abdominal area between your breastbone (the bone in the center of your chest) and your navel (belly button). Pain that begins or worsens after eating. Pain that begins or worsens when your stomach is empty, especially at night. Pain that comes and goes; it may last an hour, several hours, or a few days, ...

What are the two types of ulcers in the stomach?

There are two kinds of stomach ulcers: gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers. Gastric ulcers are sores on the lining of your stomach. Duodenal ulcers are sores on the upper section of your small intestine.

What causes ulcers in older people?

Ulcers are usually caused by an infection from a common bacteria called helicobacter pylori or from the habitual use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin. Other factors, such as being older than age 50, smoking, genetics, steroid use, and frequent alcohol use, can increase your risk of developing an ulcer.

What causes a burning sensation in the upper stomach?

Ulcers can increase the feeling of indigestion or heartburn, a burning feeling near your heart or upper stomach that happens when stomach acid flows up into your esophagus. If you notice increased instances of indigestion or heartburn, a stomach ulcer could be to blame. 3. Nausea or vomiting.

Why does the body create a protective layer of mucus?

Your body creates a protective layer of mucus to shield the linings of your stomach and small intestine from the harsh stomach acid required to break down food. When the mucus layer is worn away or doesn’t function properly, the acid begins to damage the lining of the stomach or small intestine, creating an ulcer.

How many people have stomach ulcers?

Did you know that stomach ulcers ― also called peptic ulcers ― affect at least 1 in 10 Americans over the course of their lives? And while stomach ulcers can be treated easily when caught early, lack of medical care can lead to serious complications.

How do you know if you have a stomach ulcer?

The signs of a stomach ulcer can range from mild to severe. Here are the top five signs you may have an ulcer: 1. Dull, burning pain. The most common sign of a stomach ulcer is dull, burning pain in the stomach area. This pain typically appears between meals when your stomach is empty. It may last only a few moments, or it could last for hours. 2.

What does it mean when your stool turns black?

Change in stool color. If you notice your stool looks black, which is the color of digested blood, this could be a sign of a bleeding ulcer. Bleeding ulcers are a serious medical condition and require urgent attention. 5. Unexplained weight loss.

How to tell if ulcer is getting worse?

A major sign that indicates an ulcer is getting worse is blood in stools. Other signs are listed in Box 23-2 in the text.

Why does the stomach secrete a thick gel-like mucus?

Because the acids can damage the stomach lining, the stomach secretes a thick gel-like mucus to protect it. Neither the esophagus nor the duodenum has this protection. Stomach contents that reflux up into the esophagus are highly acidic and cause inflammatory damage with ulcer formation to the lining.

What drugs decrease gastric acid secretion?

Histamine H2 blockers decrease the secretion of gastric acid. Famotidine is an example of this class of drugs.

What buffer neutralizes stomach acids?

a. Buffers such as bicarbonate neutralize stomach acids.

What are the symptoms of GERD?

The most common symptom of GERD is dyspepsia (heartburn). Other common symptoms include sour or bitter taste; bitter stomach fluid going into the mouth, especially during sleep; hoarseness; water brash (regurgitation of watery acid from the stomach); a repeated need to clear the throat; difficulty swallowing food or liquid; wheezing or coughing at night; and worsening of symptoms after eating or when bending over or lying down.

Does carafate coat the mucosa?

Sucralfate (Carafate) forms a protective coating over an ulcer but does not coat normal stomach mucosa.

Does sucralfate help ulcers heal?

a. "Sucralfate decreases secretion of gastric acids to help your ulcer heal."