Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux or heartburn, is a chronic digestive disease. It occurs when acid from the stomach flows back (reflux) into the oesophagus (food pipe). This acid reflux irritates, and can sometimes damage, the lining of the oesophagus. It can also reach the vocal cords or even flow back into the lungs.
In normal digestion, the muscular valve between the stomach and the oesophagus – known as the lower oesophageal sphincter – opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and closes to prevent food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back into the oesophagus. GERD usually occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter is weak or faulty. This allows the stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus.
Every once in a while, it is normal to experience acid reflux. However, if this occurs more than twice a week for a few weeks, it could be a sign of GERD.
The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn, which is a burning sensation of the chest that spreads from the stomach to the throat. Other possible symptoms of GERD include:
There is no identifiable sole cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD usually occurs when the muscular valve between the stomach and the oesophagus is weak or faulty. This allows the stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus.
The following factors can lead to the onset of GERD or aggravate acid reflux:
GERD can sometimes lead to the following complications:
Several lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications can be taken to control gastroesophageal reflux. These can also help prevent or reduce the risk of the condition turning into a chronic disease.
To control GERD, you should:
You may also consider the following over-the-counter medicine:
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