What is acid reflux disease?

Acid reflux disease can and often is mistaken for

heartburn. But the heartburn symptoms of acid reflux

disease usually occur 2 or more days a week for at least 3

months and can damage your esophagus. At the top of your

stomach is a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter

(LES), which normally opens and closes allowing food to

enter. It also prevents the acid in your stomach from

backing up into your esophagus. The trouble begins when

the LES opens at inappropriate times, allowing acid from

the stomach to get into the esophagus, where it doesn't

belong. Acid reflux disease can also lead to more serious

medical conditions that may require hospitalization. Acid

reflux in the throat can cause sore throat. If acid

reaches the mouth, it can dissolve the enamel of the teeth.

Millions of people have the disease and suffer from its

most common symptom - frequent and persistent heartburn.

Acid reflux disease can be treated and controlled.

How do you get Acid Reflux?

Factors contributing to acid reflux include fatty foods,

cigarettes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, obesity,

pregnancy and delayed stomach emptying. Obesity and

pregnancy increase pressures within the abdomen (body

trunk), pushing the stomach contents back into the

esophagus. Some patients have stomachs that empty their

contents into the intestines very slowly.

How serious is Acid Reflux?

The lining of the esophagus may become ulcerated and can

result in narrowing, making swallowing of food and,

sometimes, liquids, painful and difficult. In people with

esophagitis, there may also be an increased risk of cancer

of the esophagus

How long does Acid Reflux last?

Acid reflux can last several months or longer if not

treated.

How is Acid Reflux treated?

Antacids are medicines that are commonly used to treat

acid-related symptoms, like heartburn or indigestion, and

work by neutralizing acid in the stomach. However, they are

not usually recommended to treat the frequent heartburn

suffered by people with GERD.