What is GERD?
GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Gastroesophageal reflux describes a backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube or esophagus. This acid can irritate and sometimes damage the delicate lining on the inside of the esophagus. Almost everyone experiences gastroesophageal reflux at some time. The usual symptom is heartburn, an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone, most commonly occurring after a meal. In some individuals this reflux is frequent or severe enough to cause more significant problems, that is a disease. Thus, gastroesophageal reflux disease is a clinical condition that occurs when reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus is severe enough to impact the patients life and/or damage the esophagus.
Heart Burn Causes Heart Burn Symptoms Heart Burn Treatment Frequently Asked Questions What is heartburn? Heartburn is an uncomfortable feeling of burning or warmth in the chest. What causes heartburn? Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. Instead, heartburn is caused by too much stomach acid. Heartburn is sometimes called acid indigestion. What is stomach acid? Stomach acid is strong acid produced by the stomach to help digest the foods we eat. Normally the acid stays in the stomach. When the acid backs up into the esophagus, it burns and causes the uncomfortable sensation known as heartburn. What is the esophagus? The esophagus is the muscular tube that stretches between the mouth and the stomach. All the foods you eat and the liquids you drink go down the esophagus into the stomach. Why doesn’t the acid burn my stomach? The stomach has a special lining to protect it from the acid. The esophagus doesn’t have this protection. Why does the acid back up into the esophagus? A muscle
