What is Acid Reflux?

At one point or another, almost everyone has experienced digestive problems, including a painful burning sensation in their chest, called heartburn. Many often wonder what causes these symptoms and when they should worry about it becoming something more serious. Because of this, many frequent heartburn suffers often ask the question: "What is acid reflux"?

To understand acid reflux disease and how it affects your health, you must first understand how your stomach and esophagus work. At the bottom of our esophagus where it meets our stomach is a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Normally, this valve closes after we swallow food to keep digestive stomach acid where it belongs. However, sometimes it may not close properly and may allow acid to splash up into the esophagus and cause heartburn. When a person experiences heartburn more than twice a week, it may be what is known as acid reflex disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The causes of acid reflux disease can range from a hiatal hernia, the foods you eat, or even the times you eat. There are many lifestyle changes a person can make to reduce the symptoms associated with acid reflux and limit the number of heartburn occurrences they experience with a variety of acid reflux remedies they can try at home.

If you have any other questions concerning what is acid reflux and the treatment options that may be available to you, contact your primary care provider for more information.