Acid Reflux Introduction     Acid reflux or heartburn are commonly used names for the medical condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  Acid reflux occurs when acidic juices from the stomach flow back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation (esophagitis).  The function of the esophagus is to allow food to flow down into the stomach.  Click To Enlarge Acid Reflux Diagram During digestion, the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve that separates the esophagus and stomach) opens to allow food to pass into the stomach, and then closes to prevent the stomach contents from flowing back up.  However, acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter inappropriately opens, allowing the gastric contents to back up.  This leads to a burning pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen and chest, known as heartburn. Acid reflux can be caused by the following dietary sources and conditions: overeating obesity pregnancy smoking consuming fried, fatty or spicy foods chocolate carbonated beverages alcohol coffee Other causes may include hiatal hernia (an outpouching of the stomach above the diaphragm), ulcer disease, and gastritis (inflammation of the stomach).  These factors either increase abdominal pressure or cause the esophageal sphincter to inappropriately relax, allowing the stomach contents to back up.   If acid reflux remains untreated over time, it can cause scarring and precancerous changes of the esophagus (Barrett's syndrome), and an increased risk for the development of esophageal cancer.     Acid Reflux Statistics   According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (NIH): [1, 2] About 7 million people in the United States have some degree of acid reflux.   About 60 million people a month have heartburn.   Twenty-five million people suffer from heartburn once a day.   Twenty-five percent of pregnant women get heartburn every day and 50 percent occasionally. Acid Reflux Symptoms   Acid reflux usually occurs after eating, from bending over or lying down.  The most common symptom is heartburn, which feels like a burning sensation beginning in the stomach or lower breastbone, and then may move up into the chest and throat. Heartburn can last from a few minutes to a few hours.  Belching is also a common occurrence.  Esophageal inflammation symptoms may include painful swallowing and/or a sharp, stabbing pain in the center of the chest.     Learn More About Acid Reflux Acid Reflux Introduction Heartburn Relief Products helpful for Acid Reflux Disease   Learn More

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