How can I tell if I have acid reflux or bile reflux?

How can I tell if I have acid reflux or bile reflux?

Symptoms of acid reflux and bile reflux in your esophagus are virtually the same. If your symptoms include vomit, check the color. Bile has a tell-tale yellow tint. If you also have symptoms of bile reflux in your stomach, such as abdominal pain and indigestion, that might be an important clue.

In general, acid reflux is considered more common and more likely than bile reflux. But if medications to treat acid reflux don’t relieve your symptoms, let your healthcare provider know. They can test the reflux fluid in your esophagus to detect the presence of bile.