What symptom might indicate GERD severity aside from heartburn?

Chest pain can be a significant symptom that indicates the severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) beyond the common complaint of heartburn. Patients with GERD may experience chest pain that is often described as a pressure or discomfort in the chest, which can sometimes mimic cardiac pain. This type of pain arises from the irritation and inflammation of the esophagus due to acid exposure. When patients experience chest pain associated with GERD, it can suggest more pronounced esophageal irritation or complications such as esophagitis or even esophageal stricture.

In contrast, headache, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea are less specific indicators of GERD severity. These symptoms could be related to various gastrointestinal issues or other medical conditions, and do not necessarily correlate with the degree of esophageal damage or inflammation typically seen in more severe cases of GERD. Thus, while they may impact a patient's quality of life, they are not reliable indicators of GERD severity as chest pain can be.