Sooner or later, most adults experience the symptoms of heartburn. This is a condition that is often considered a precursor to acid reflux, which is chronic in nature. Because of the connection between heartburn and acid reflux, it’s well worth noting the early signs of heartburn, so the condition can be addressed before it becomes more serious.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the symptoms of heartburn you should be on the watch for:

1. Burping - it’s not uncommon to burp three or four times after a meal. Generally, this is the body’s way of releasing gas and it’s often the result of swallowing air and nothing more serious. However, when the esophageal sphincter (LES) isn’t functioning properly and stomach acid creeps into the esophagus, one of the first ways your body reacts is to burp. This releases the build up of gas and often results in almost instant relief. In severe cases, you may find yourself burping for several hours. If you find yourself experiencing long bouts of burping after every full meal, then it’s time to take notice.

2. Swallowing - you may experience trouble swallowing, which is sometimes described as the feeling of food getting stuck in your throat. This appears to be the result of stomach acids playing havoc with the lining of your esophagus, causing discomfort.

3. Sore Throat - as with many of these symptoms, it’s easy to mistake a sore throat for a cold or a flu when in actuality it’s the result of stomach acids that have escaped the sphincter muscle above your stomach and moved up your esophagus into the back of your throat. Much in the same way as what happens when you experience trouble swallowing, these acids damage the lining of your esophagus and throat, causing the soreness and hoarseness.

4. Nausea - this can be a particularly troubling symptom and you should definitely visit with your doctor if it occurs regularly, whether you believe it’s associated with heartburn or not. It’s always worthy of close attention. Often a symptom associated with women who are experiencing heartburn, it’s uncertain if the nausea is the result of the heartburn or the result of the pregnancy. It can also be a sign of gastritis, which is the inflammation of the lining of your stomach, or gastroparesis, a condition in which the muscles in your stomach don’t function normally and food remains in the stomach too long. Once again, if you’re experiencing a combination of nausea and heartburn, see your doctor.

5. A Burning Sensation - this is the granddaddy of heartburn symptoms, the one most people experience above all the others. You’ll hear it described as a painful, burning sensation just below the breastbone. It results from gastric acids rising into the esophagus. In most instances, it’s uncomfortable and unpleasant, though on some occasions it can be so painful that it’s mistaken for a heart attack.

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