Acid reflux symptoms or heartburn symptoms, usually consist of a burning sensation behind the breastbone. More advanced symptoms become more complex and indicate extensive damage to the lining of the esophagus.

Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux) occurs when the acidic stomach contents enter the esophagus. This occurs due to poor function of the muscular sphincter (a round muscle) which connects the esophagus and the stomach.

The sphincter’s role is to allow food and liquid to pass from the esophagus to the stomach while preventing stomach contents from passing back into the esophagus.

Acid reflux symptoms:

• heartburn (sometimes extending as high as the neck and face)
• regurgitation
• vomiting of blood
• blood in stool
• pain behind the breastbone
• difficulty swallowing foods
• difficulty breathing
• sore throat
• hoarse voice
• excessive salivation
• sense of a lump in the throat
• sinus inflammation

The easiest way to diagnose acid-reflux is from a symptom profile. This would include primarily differentiation from any coronary symptoms such as movement of pain down the arm or pain during exertion (angina).

Treatment is typically with the introduction of several lifestyle changes such as sleeping in a more inclined position, stopping smoking, as well as avoiding certain foods, drugs, and drinks which are known to increase the frequency of acid reflux.

Antacids can be used to relieve the painful symptoms of acid within the esophagus and often prove useful during diagnosis.