Regurgitation
Another symptom of acid reflux is regurgitation. The cause for it is similar to heartburn, with the stomach’s valve malfunctioning and releasing the stomach’s contents. The big difference is that it is not only stomach acid that comes out but also some partially digested food. As a result, it can reach back into the mouth. The sensation is very unpleasant, and adults will immediately notice that something is wrong. Fortunately, it is not common because of the size of the esophagus. It takes a significant amount for the food to come back up but may reach the throat area, leaving a bitter taste at the back of the person’s throat.
Regurgitation is more common among babies since their esophagus is shorter and they have less body control. They usually experience much of it in the first year of life, but the frequency drops as they grow older. For adults, doctors often prescribe prokinetics and antibiotics. These can make a stomach empty itself faster while reducing the regurgitation risk.
