What Is Acid Reflux Disease?

Acid reflux disease or GERD can happen when a valve does not close quite right. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. There is a valve at the lower end of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This valve opens to allow food and liquids to enter the stomach. It closes to keep acid and food in the stomach. Sometimes this valve does not close as tightly as it should, or it relaxes too often. This can cause stomach acid to get into the esophagus over and over again. The stomach is better equipped to handle acid than the esophagus. With continued exposure to stomach acid, the esophagus may become irritated and possibly damaged, a condition known as erosive esophagitis.

This exposure, for most people, may be the painful, burning feeling often called heartburn. Many people get heartburn on occasion. But persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, could be acid reflux disease (GERD).

Acid reflux disease (GERD) is often a chronic condition that can lead to serious complications over time. And since acid reflux disease (GERD) affects different people in different ways it's important to talk to your doctor. Only your doctor can diagnose acid reflux disease (GERD) and determine if there is any damage to your esophagus.