Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a serious form of heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux, acid reflux, or acid regurgitation), and is an irritation of the esophagus that is caused by stomach acid washing into the tube that leads from the mouth to the stomach (called the esophagus).
Occasional gastroesophageal reflux is common and does NOT necessarily mean one has gastroesophageal reflux disease, as GERD is defined as persistent gastroesophageal reflux that occurs more than twice a week.
GERD symptoms
When acid reflux occurs, fluid can be tasted in the back of the mouth, and when refluxed stomach acid comes in contact with the lining of the esophagus may cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn or acid indigestion.
GERD can eventually lead to more serious health problems. NOT all people with GERD experience heartburn, and most children under 12 years with GERD, and some adults, have GERD without heartburn. These people may only experience a dry cough, asthma symptoms, or trouble swallowing.
GERD and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
The reason some people develop GERD is unclear. However, research shows that in people with GERD, the ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that normally acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach relaxes while the rest of the esophagus is working. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the LES opens spontaneously for varying periods of time, or does NOT close properly. This causes the acidic stomach contents to rise up into the esophagus. The digestive juices, or acids, can also rise up when food is in the stomach.
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