Acid Reflux Disease

Acid Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to close sufficiently to keep stomach contents from leaking back up into the esophagus. The LES is a small band of muscle at the base of the esophagus that works much like a valve between the esophagus and the stomach.

Refluxed stomach acid that has not been kept in the stomach by the LES will touch the fleshy lining of the esophagus and cause a burning sensation in the chest and throat. This is called heartburn. When the acid is tasted in the back of the mouth – usually a strong, burning, bitter taste – it is called acid indigestion.

Most people have heartburn every once in a while, but patients with acid reflux experience it more than twice a week. Gone untreated, acid reflux can lead to more serious health problems and can become uncontrollable.

No one really knows why people develop Acid Reflux, though it is theorized that a hiatal hernia might have something to do with it. When an upper section of the stomach is above the diaphragm, the diaphragm is not able to do its part in keeping the acid from rising up into the esophagus, thus contributing to acid reflux. Acid reflux can occur in people of any age, regardless of gender.

In additional to a hiatal hernia, alcohol abuse, pregnancy and smoking can help increase the chances of developing an acid reflux problem. Foods high in citrus, chocolate, caffeine, fatty foods, fried foods, garlic, spicy foods and tomato-based foods all contain properties that might also help contribute to acid reflux.

Symptoms of acid reflux are usually similar among patients. The most common – and often the most painful – is heartburn. Heartburn will begin as a burning sensation in the chest that steadily spreads up toward the throat. The sensation will be worse when lying down, bending over or coughing. The patient might experience loss of voice, frequent – and sometimes painful – belching, hoarseness, and a sour or bitter taste in the back of the throat.