The main symptom of GERD is frequent heartburn (also called acid indigestion). Severity can vary from an occasional mild burning after meals, to a persistent discomfort that severely limits a person’s lifestyle.
It is possible to have GERD without experiencing heartburn. Other symptoms may also include:

  • Regurgitation
  • Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Pain with swallowing (odynophagia)
  • Nausea
  • Excessive salivation
  • Chest pain 
  • Hoarseness
  • A need to clear the throat repeatedly
  • Sensation of deep pressure at the base of the neck. Left untreated, GERD can lead to serious internal complications resulting from injury to the esophagus. These may include:
    • Reflux esophagitis-necrosis that causes ulcers near the junction of the stomach and esophagus.
    • Esophageal Strictures-narrowing of the esophagus caused by reflux-induced inflammation.
    • Barrett’s esophagus-chronic exposure to stomach acid causes cells in the esophageal lining take on an abnormal shape and color. Over time, this can lead to cancer.