The burning pain associated with heartburn acid reflux is becoming a big problem. More and more people are experiencing heartburn and it has to do with our lifestyle more than anything else. Being overweight can be a huge contributor to this condition, and the numbers of those who need to lose extra pounds are going up each year. Stress can be a contributory factor and it is not news that our world is more stressful than it has ever been.

It’s a good idea for everyone to know the symptoms of acid reflux so they can tell the difference between a chronic problem and just the occasional bad food choice.

Most people will experience an occasional bout of heartburn at one time or another. This usually happens when something spicy is eaten, or if you’ve had a lot of coffee to drink and not a lot to eat.

There are some foods that promote excess stomach acid production, and this can also account for the occasional bout of acid reflux. This is mostly harmless, even when it is uncomfortable. If it happens occasionally, but is not something that wakes you up at night, or seems to be present more than once a week, a simple antacid to chew on should clear it up your symptoms with no damage done.

However, there are some people who have feelings of heartburn all the time. The main symptoms are a burning in the chest and the taste of acid in the mouth and throat. When this happens all the time, that acid might be doing more damage than you think.

Having acid reflux often feels like having a constant lump in your throat, and the pain associated with heartburn can wake you up in the night. You may also notice an increase in sinus problems, which can be a secondary symptom of having acid reflux disease.

Some of the other secondary symptoms of acid reflux are often confused with other conditions, but when paired with the major symptoms, the problem becomes clear.

When severe reflux is present you will commonly have a sore throat when waking up in the mornings, and it may even feel like your throat is closing up at times. Sinus problems might become chronic, and you will often feel sleepy due to the reflux interrupting your sleep at night.

When these factors are all combined, a person must realize they have a problem, and that there may be damage to the esophagus and the throat from the excess acid.

Though these symptoms of heartburn acid reflux are troublesome, there are great ways to care for it. Medication can help alleviate the pain, and can also stop the acid production in the stomach by inhibiting of the production of stomach acids. This allows damaged tissues time to heal, and these medications will only be needed for a few months to promote healing. That, along with a change in diet, can help someone suffering from heartburn to experience relief from pain and enjoy a better quality of life.

By Kathryn Whittaker. Sign up for a free newsletter that has proven methods for tackling Acid Reflux, Heartburn and GERD head-on and discover more about GERD. In the newsletter you’ll also find more about the different kinds of acid reflux help and what to do if you have severe heartburn.