Symptoms

Heartburn
Chest Pain
Burping
Bloating
Bloody stools
Abdominal pain
Indigestion
Reflux
Difficulty swallowing
Digestive issues
Coughs
Nausea
Loss of appetite

What To Expect

If you are concerned about stomach or esophagus pain, diagnostic tests are available to find the origin of the problem. First, your provider will perform a physical examination and ask a few questions about the symptoms you have been experiencing and some lifestyle habits (such as overeating fast food or eating too late at night right before bed). They may order exams such as an endoscopy, a barium swallow study, a pH evaluation, or an H. Pylori test.

Made Worse By

Laying down after eating can exacerbate reflux and stomach acid problems. It happens in part because it propels reflux up the digestive system. Eating spicy and oily foods and drinking alcohol and caffeine can make the condition worse. Chewing fast and not for long increases the work of digestion, leading to more stomach problems.

How Common

Stomach acid problems seem to be slightly higher in men, but it is almost as prevalent in women. It can affect people of all ages but is widespread in infants and people over 40. Lifestyle and a healthy diet may mitigate some of the symptoms.

Diagnosed By

H. Pylori test: this class of bacteria can cause peptic ulcers. You may get tested for its presence in the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, and small intestine). pH test: the pH of the stomach is measured within 24 hours. Barium swallow study: the patient drinks barium sulfate, a solution that allows the digestive tract to appear more clearly on X-rays. Endoscopy: a tube with a camera goes down the throat into the digestive tract and evaluates the lining of these structures.