Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disease caused by the reflux of gastric and duodenal contents into the esophagus. Symptoms can be categorized into typical, atypical intra-esophageal symptoms and extra-esophageal symptoms.
1. Typical intraesophageal symptoms: acid reflux, heartburn and burning sensation are the main symptoms, which mostly appear within one hour after meals, and are aggravated when the patient is lying down, bending over or when the intra-abdominal pressure increases.
2. Atypical intraesophageal symptoms: chest pain is the main symptom, and the pain is stabbing and sharp, mostly occurring behind the sternum, and in severe cases, the stabbing pain can be radiated to the back, shoulder and neck. In some patients, dysphagia or retrosternal foreign body sensation can be seen.
3. Extra-esophageal symptoms: caused by reflux stimulation or damage to tissues outside the esophagus, such as laryngitis, chronic cough and asthma. In severe cases, aspiration pneumonia may occur, and even interstitial lung fibrosis. Some patients have a foreign body sensation in the pharynx without difficulty in swallowing, called hysterical ballooning.
If the above symptoms occur, it is recommended to go to the hospital in time for early and regular treatment.