Symptoms

• Heartburn is the chief symptom of acid reflux, reports Penn State; other symptoms include coughing, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. Symptoms of gallbladder disease are abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and fever, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
  
  

Diagnosis

• Doctors diagnose acid reflux with X-rays, esophagoscopy or by taking a tissue sample. X-rays, an ultrasound to check for inflammation or stones, or a CT scan detect gallbladder disease.
  
  

Causes

• Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter isn't working properly, causing acid to back up. Gallstones---usually caused by a high amount of cholesterol present in bile---lead to inflammation and a diagnosis of gallbladder disease.
  
  

Treatment

• Doctors treat acid reflux and gallbladder disease with medication, but if symptoms continue, surgery may be required to correct the reflux or remove the gallbladder.
  
  

Considerations

• If you have problems with acid reflux or your gallbladder, talk to your doctor about dietary chances. Avoiding foods high in fat may prevent the occurrence of symptoms, the NIH says.