Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Are you curious about seeking treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or acid reflux at Cheyenne Regional? Let’s do a quick symptom check to see if your symptoms are more in line with acid reflux or more in line with GERD.

What are the symptoms of GERD or acid reflux?

People experience symptoms of GERD or acid reflux in a variety of ways. While the most common symptom is heartburn, other symptoms may include:

  • Asthma
  • Bloating
  • Chest pain
  • Clearing of the throat
  • Cough
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Hoarseness
  • Regurgitation
  • Sleep disruption
  • Tooth enamel decay

Is it GERD or acid reflux?

To see if you might have a more serious form of acid reflux called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), answer these four simple “yes” or “no” questions below.

This short questionnaire is not intended to diagnose GERD, and you should not rely solely on this to make decisions about care of your symptoms.

  1. Do you have typical symptoms daily or more than once each week?
  2. Are you taking prescription strength medication to manage your acid reflux symptoms and still having symptoms?
  3. Have you had acid reflux symptoms for more than one year?
  4. Are you having any difficulty swallowing food or feel that food gets stuck in your throat?

Did you answer “yes” to at least one question?

Based on your response, you may have GERD, which is a more serious form of acid reflux. You should consider talking to your primary care physician or seeing a Cheyenne Regional gastroenterologist or GI surgeon about your symptoms, who can then conduct more thorough evaluation and testing.

If you would like to speak to someone at Cheyenne Regional regarding GERD or acid reflux, please call (307) 632-1114.

Did you answer “no” to all questions?

Based on these answers, you most likely have the form of acid reflux that can be easily managed with lifestyle changes or occasional over-the-counter antacids.

If you are concerned that you have GERD, you should discuss this with your primary care physician, or contact Cheyenne Regional at (307) 632-1114.