Acid Reflux (GERD) What is GERD?.
Gastroesophageal reflux is also sometimes referred to as acid reflux. It is a disorder where the acid contents of the stomach flow back (reflux) into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the throat and stomach. However, the esophagus doesn’t have a protective lining like the stomach, so the acid from gastroesophageal reflux causes the lower part of the esophagus to become inflamed and painful. This condition is called reflux esophagitis. Acid reflux is a condition where gastric juices containing acid travel back from the stomach into the esophagus (gullet or swallowing tube). Symptoms of acid reflux include: Heartburn (a burning feeling rising from the stomach or lower chest up towards the neck). Regurgitation (bringing food back up into the mouth). Chest pain.
