2. Regurgitation: A Bitter Reminder of Reflux
GERD’s second hallmark, regurgitation, is more than an occasional burp after a meal. It involves stomach contents, including acids and undigested foods, moving upward into the throat or mouth. This act isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s also concerning, signaling that the mechanisms meant to keep food down are not working as they should.
The upward journey of stomach contents brings with it a distinct and unwelcome flavor. This sour or bitter taste, often accompanied by a warm sensation in the back of the throat, can be both surprising and unsettling. It’s a direct testament to the stomach’s acidic nature and a clear sign that something’s amiss in the digestive tract.
One would hope for nighttime to be a period of relief and rejuvenation. Yet, for many with GERD, it’s the exact opposite. Lying down flat provides an almost open invitation for stomach contents to make their unwelcome ascent, often awakening sufferers with that bitter taste and a burning throat. (2)
