Acid reflux disease, also known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a common ailment, affecting between 5% -7% of the population. In order to understand what GERD is important to be familiar with how the esophagus works. A long muscular tube, the esophagus carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. The average adult esophagus is about ten to thirteen inches long and about half inch in diameter. GERD is caused by the backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus, usually because the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly. When this occurs over a long period of time, the lining of the ways this becomes eroded, causing discomfort and pain.
Symptoms of the disease are fairly straightforward and very similar to symptoms of heartburn. GERD often include frequent burning, right behind the breastbone, which is sometimes worse when lying down for prolonged periods of time. While most cases of heartburn become not endanger life, it is important that you visit your doctor at the onset of symptoms. Unfortunately, symptoms of indigestion and GERD can also mimic those of heart disease, so it is very important that you see your doctor to make sure you get the correct diagnosis. (more…)
