Sometimes the stomach acid can travel up to your throat. It is called acid reflux. If it keeps happening over a period, then it is identified by a medical condition called gastro-oesophageal reflux (GERD). The symptoms tend to worsen when lying down or bending over.
Among the most identifiable symptoms are a burning sensation in the chest called heartburn, an unpleasant sour taste in the mouth, a feeling of a lump at the back of the throat, a cough or hiccups that keep coming back, bloating, hoarse voice and a general feeling of being sick.
Acid reflux usually happens when the muscle at the lower portion of the oesophagus does not close completely or remains open for a period. This might result in contents of the stomach, especially acidic juices to travel back to the throat. Sometimes it can even cause laryngitis and chronic cough. It must be treated if it happens regularly. It can result in ulcers.
A less commonly known fact about acid reflux is that it can lead to dental erosion. The acid from the stomach can eat away the enamel which is the outermost layer of the teeth. This layer protects the inner sensitive parts of the tooth. If the enamel damage is permanent. Very often, this condition could also be identified by your dentist.
Precautions one can take to prevent oneself from acid reflux are eating smaller and more frequent meals, keeping your head and chest at an elevated level from the stomach, not wearing clothes that are tight around your waist, and avoiding food or drinks that trigger the symptoms.
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