GERD Symptoms and How Acid Reflux Leads to Swallowing Difficulties

In this post, we’ll break down the medical definitions of Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and explore the direct link between chronic reflux and swallowing disorders.

What is Acid Reflux? (The Definitions)

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), it is important to distinguish between occasional reflux and a chronic disease:

• GER (Gastroesophageal Reflux): This is the basic medical term for acid reflux. It occurs when your stomach contents flow backward into the esophagus. This happens because the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)—the muscle that acts as a gate between your throat and stomach—relaxes when it shouldn’t.
• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): When GER happens frequently (more than twice a week for several weeks), it is classified as GERD. This is a more serious, long-term condition that can lead to health complications.
• Heartburn: This is the most common symptom of reflux—a painful, burning feeling in the chest that can move up toward the neck and throat.

Why GERD Might Cause Dysphagia

If you find yourself feeling like food is getting "stuck" in your chest, or if swallowing has become a conscious effort, you are experiencing dysphagia. When caused by acid reflux, this is usually the result of long-term tissue damage.

Here is how the two are linked:

1. Esophageal Strictures (Narrowing)

Your esophagus is lined with delicate tissue. When stomach acid—which is strong enough to dissolve food—repeatedly splashes into the esophagus, it causes "acid burns." As the body tries to heal these burns, it creates scar tissue. Over time, this scar tissue builds up and narrows the esophagus, creating a "stricture" that makes it physically difficult for solid food to pass through.

2. Esophagitis (Inflammation)

Chronic reflux causes constant irritation and swelling of the esophageal lining, known as esophagitis. This inflammation can make the esophagus tender and narrow, leading to odynophagia (painful swallowing).

3. Muscle Dysmotility

To move food to your stomach, the esophagus uses a wave-like muscle motion called peristalsis. Chronic acid exposure can damage the nerves and muscles responsible for this motion. If the muscles become uncoordinated or weak, food doesn't move down efficiently, leading to the sensation of food being trapped.

4. Schatzki Rings

In some GERD patients, a small ring of extra tissue (a Schatzki ring) can form at the very bottom of the esophagus. This ring can catch large pieces of poorly chewed food (like steak or bread), causing sudden, acute swallowing difficulty.

When to See a Doctor

While occasional heartburn can often be managed with over-the-counter antacids and lifestyle changes, dysphagia is a "red flag" symptom.

If you feel like food is sticking in your throat, if you are coughing while eating, or if you are losing weight because eating has become difficult, you should consult a healthcare provider immediately. Chronic GERD that leads to dysphagia can increase the risk of more serious conditions, such as Barrett’s Esophagus or esophageal cancer.

Managing your reflux today is the best way to protect your ability to swallow comfortably tomorrow.

Reference: Symptoms & Causes of GER & GERD