How to Know If I Have GERD: Key Signs and Symptoms to Watch

At Gastro Westmount, patients can come to us when reflux stops being occasional and starts becoming something they notice regularly. It may begin as heartburn after certain meals, then start happening more often, feel worse at night, or become harder to ignore. Reflux can happen from time to time, but GERD is a recurring condition in which stomach contents, sometimes acidic and sometimes not, flow back into the esophagus often enough to cause symptoms or lead to complications. It is often described as chronic reflux. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [NIDDK], n.d.-a). If you are looking for digestive care in Montreal, reach out to Gastro Westmount for a consultation today. 

What Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Is and How It Differs From Occasional Acid Reflux

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Reflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, while heartburn is one of the symptoms that reflux can cause. GERD is the medical condition that can develop when reflux becomes frequent, persistent, or bothersome enough to need assessment. GERD often develops when the lower esophageal sphincter, a valve-like muscle between the esophagus and stomach, becomes weak or relaxes when it should stay closed. In some patients, a hiatal hernia can also play a role. (NIDDK, n.d.-a). Because the esophagus is not meant to be exposed to stomach acid over and over again, repeated reflux can irritate its lining over time, especially in the lower esophagus. Over time, that irritation can lead to inflammation, bleeding, scar tissue, an esophageal stricture, or Barrett's Esophagus in some patients (Harvard Health Publishing, 2026).

The Main GERD Symptoms

The most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn and regurgitation. Heartburn is usually described as a burning sensation behind the breastbone. It often happens after eating and symptoms can worsen at night or when you’re lying down. Regurgitation is different and is often described as acid, sour liquid, or food coming back up into the throat or mouth, sometimes leaving a sour taste. Many patients notice a combination of both symptoms (NIDDK, n.d.-a).

Other Symptoms of GERD That Patients May Notice

GERD does not always look the same from one patient to the next. In addition to heartburn and regurgitation, some people notice chest pain, nausea, trouble swallowing, pain with swallowing, chronic cough, hoarseness, sore throat, or the feeling that there is a lump in the throat (Mayo Clinic, n.d.; NIDDK, n.d.-a). These symptoms do not automatically mean GERD is the cause, but they can be part of the picture.

The pattern of symptoms also matters. If reflux keeps coming back, feels worse after meals or when lying down, wakes you during the night, or leads to regular use of over-the-counter heartburn medicines, it should be assessed more carefully. This is especially true if you need nonprescription heartburn medicine more than twice a week. For some patients, symptoms are also more noticeable after certain foods, spicy foods, high fat foods, large meals, or alcohol. The same is true if symptoms are not improving with nonprescription treatment or basic lifestyle changes (NIDDK, n.d.-a).

Symptoms That Need Prompt Medical Attention

Some symptoms need prompt medical attention. Worsening difficulty swallowing, pain with swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, vomiting blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, and black or tarry stool should not be ignored (NIDDK, n.d.-a). Chest pain also needs to be taken seriously. GERD can cause chest discomfort, but chest pain should never be assumed to be digestive without proper evaluation because it can also point to a heart attack. Urgent medical care is especially important if chest pain occurs with shortness of breath or pain in the jaw or arm, and you should seek medical help right away in that setting (Harvard Health Publishing, 2026).

GERD Testing and Digestive Evaluation at Gastro Westmount

If reflux symptoms keep coming back, a proper evaluation can help determine whether GERD is the cause and whether further testing is needed. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, that assessment may include a review of your symptoms, medications, and risk factors, along with diagnostic testing when needed to confirm reflux or identify related digestive concerns.

At Gastro Westmount, we provide specialized testing and digestive care for patients with ongoing reflux symptoms. Our services include 24-hour pH study, Bravo capsule testing, esophageal manometry, and endoscopic procedures used in the evaluation of GERD and other upper digestive conditions. If you are dealing with frequent heartburn, regurgitation, swallowing symptoms, or persistent reflux that is affecting daily life, our team can help guide the next step. You can learn more about our services, review our service fees, or request an appointment with Gastro Westmount.

References

Harvard Health Publishing. (2026, January 21). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd-a-to-z

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.-a). Symptoms & causes of GER & GERD. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/symptoms-causes