Heartburn, as its name implies, is a burning sensation that is centered over the area of the heart. However, it has nothing to do with heart problems. This is the same area occupied by the esophagus and this is roughly where heartburn occurs. It is usually worse after eating, especially when lying down. Occasional heartburn can be treated without a doctor's advice by simple over-the-counter remedies, but more long term heartburn should be investigated by a doctor.

Severe heartburn is associated with acid reflux and it is often the presenting complaint. It is vital that a physician ensure that any severe chest pains are caused by acid reflux rather than by heart problems such as angina or infarction. In cases of reflux disease, severe chest pain most often occurs at night, due to postural changes as noted above.

Dyspepsia is a chronic, recurrent pain centered in the area of the upper abdomen over the stomach. The pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or an unnatural sensation of stomach fullness. Dyspepsia is the second most common symptom of GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease). Dyspepsia may be present with or without concurrent acid reflux. The extent and expression of dyspepsia varies from person-to-person, and is generally not indicative of the presence or extent of damage to the esophagus.

Acid reflux symptoms include regurgitation. This is a sudden feeling that the stomach contents are backing up into the throat or esophagus and a very common symptom. The regurgitation can be associated with nausea, although not necessarily so. In the most severe cases, stomach contents are actually burped up or even vomited. Regurgitation does also normally happen on occasion, especially in small children. By itself it is not an indicator of acid reflux.

In addition, there are several less common symptoms of acid reflux disease. These include a rough, unsatisfying cough, wheezing, hoarseness or laryngitis. Even less common symptoms include the sensation of a constant lump in the throat, chronic sore throats, sinusitis and frequent hiccups. Less common still is chronic nausea divorced from any other reflux symptoms. This nausea may be intermittent or persist for months on end.

Fortunately, a diagnosis of acid reflux disease is usually easily made by a primary care physician. For more complicated situations or when the doctor is unsure, a trial dosage of medication to temporarily stop secretion of stomach acid will almost always produce a clear diagnosis. All differential diagnosis that are suggested by the myriad of symptoms of reflux disease should be ruled out before a definitive diagnosis is reached.