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Acid Reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Acid Reflux Diagram Showing Path of Stomach Acid Return

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is sometimes called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or indigestion, although it is more commonly known as heartburn. Acid reflux is the result of stomach acid that is expelled from the stomach cavity upwards into the esophagus. This backward flow is the rationale behind the “reflux” part of the name.

While the cell walls of the stomach are designed to withstand the acid it holds that breaks down and digest our food, the esophagus is merely the pathway between where our food enters (mouth) to the digestion chamber (stomach). The lining of the esophagus is not able to contain stomach acid, and thus results in heartburn, indigestion, and nausea.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

When people first think about acid reflux, they believe that acid is the cause when in fact, acid reflux is more of an effect or consequence of another problem. Acid reflux is actually a disease caused by weak valve muscles. Specifically, the valve between the stomach and esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), is improperly at rest, allowing stomach acid to leak into the esophagus.

A malfunctioning LES can be caused by a number of reasons such as hiatal hernia, in which the upper stomach extends upward into a gap in the diaphragm. This hampers the lower esophageal sphincter’s ability to prevent stomach acid from leaving the stomach. Hiatal hernia itself can be caused by old age, obesity, smoking, and pregnancy.

Why People Get Acid Reflux

Acid reflux can be a consequence of many issues, including anxiety, a highly acidic diet of citrus fruits, or lifestyle habits like alcohol consumption and smoking cigarettes. It can also be a symptom of other medical conditions such as diabetes or asthma, or be a side effect of the treatment of such conditions. Overall, acid reflux only occurs occasionally for most people although it is not uncommon.

How Acid Reflux Affects People

As is eluded to by the misnomer “heartburn,” people will feel a burning sensation that is attributed to their heart, since the location of the burning is in close proximity to it. The burning feeling may also extend upward toward the collarbone and neck. Acid reflux also induces a feeling of pressure in the chest area, causing chest pains. In the most extreme cases, people have been known to perceive food being regurgitated into their throat, and be able to taste a hot acidic fluid in their mouths.