Symptoms vary between individuals, ranging from slight discomfort to incapacitating pain.
These symptoms often vary in the individual.
The burning sensation is due to acid entering the oesophagus and stimulating nerve fibres in the gullet.This pain often occurs after eating and if the person then lies down. This is because gravity helps to clear acid from the gullet.
Nausea is less common; although it may be severe in afflicted individuals.
Regurgitation is the passage of liquid from the stomach back into the person's mouth. It is a distressing symptom, when foul acid is tasted.
Severely affected individuals may find it impossible to bend down or lie flat for fear of their stomach contents returning to their mouths.