Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Symptoms & Causes

Gastro esophageal reflux disease, or GERD, happens when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus because of a muscle weakness. The main symptom is a feeling of heartburn, though dyspepsia, chest pain, regurgitation, nausea and vomiting can also occur, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
GERD symptoms can indicate damage to the lining of the esophagus, one of the complications of this disease.

Heartburn

• When stomach acid gets into the esophagus, your nerves react by causing a burning pain in the middle of your chest. This happens more frequently after meals.

Dyspepsia

• Nausea after eating and pain in the abdomen are signs of dyspepsia. Other conditions can cause this but it is usually present in GERD.

Chest Pain

• Pain or feeling that food is trapped in the chest is also a symptom. Chest pain may be present in other serious conditions but in GERD it occurs with other typical symptoms.

Regurgitation

• Regurgitating, or a "wet burp" is actually stomach acid backing up into the esophagus.

Vomiting

• If you have frequent vomiting that cannot be explained, GERD may be the culprit. Some people experience GERD with heartburn as the primary symptom, others by vomiting.