Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD or acid reflux, is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up or refluxes) into the esophagus. The liquid can inflame and damage the lining (cause, cause esophagitis) of the esophagus although visible signs of inflammation occur in a minority of patients. The regurgitated liquid usually contains acid and pepsin that are produced by the stomach. (Pepsin is an enzyme that begins the digestion of proteins in the stomach.) The refluxed liquid also may contain bile that has backed-up into the stomach from the duodenum. (The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine that attaches to the stomach.) Acid is believed to be the most injurious component of the refluxed liquid. Pepsin and bile also may injure the esophagus, but their role in the production of esophageal inflammation and damage is not as clear as the role of acid.

GERD is a chronic condition. Once it begins, it usually is life-long. If there is injury to the lining of the esophagus (esophagitis), this also is a chronic condition. Moreover, after the esophagus has healed with treatment and treatment is stopped, the injury will return in most patients within a few months. Once treatment for GERD is begun, therefore, it usually will need to be continued indefinitely although it is argued that in some patients with intermittent symptoms and no esophagitis, treatment can be intermittent and done only during symptomatic periods.

In fact, the reflux of the stomach's liquid contents into the esophagus occurs in most normal individuals. One study found that reflux occurs as frequently in normal individuals as in patients with GERD. In patients with GERD, however, the refluxed liquid contains acid more often, and the acid remains in the esophagus longer. It has also been found that liquid refluxes to a higher level in the esophagus in patients with GERD than normal individuals.

As is often the case, the body has ways (mechanisms) to protect itself from the harmful effects of reflux and acid. For example, most reflux occurs during the day when individuals are upright. In the upright position, the refluxed liquid is more likely to flow back down into the stomach due to the effect of gravity. In addition, while individuals are awake, they repeatedly swallow, whether or not there is reflux. Each swallow carries any refluxed liquid back into the stomach. Finally, the salivary glands in the mouth produce saliva, which contains bicarbonate. With each swallow, bicarbonate-containing saliva travels down the esophagus. The bicarbonate neutralizes the small amount of acid that remains in the esophagus after gravity and swallowing have removed most of the liquid.

Gravity, swallowing, and saliva are important protective mechanisms for the esophagus, but they are effective only when individuals are in the upright position. At night during sleep, gravity is not in effect, swallowing stops, and the secretion of saliva is reduced. Therefore, reflux that occurs at night is more likely to result in acid remaining in the esophagus longer and causing greater damage to the esophagus.

Certain conditions make a person susceptible to GERD. For example, GERD can be a serious problem during pregnancy. The elevated hormone levels of pregnancy probably cause reflux by lowering the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter (see below). At the same time, the growing fetus increases the pressure in the abdomen. Both of these effects would be expected to increase reflux. Also, patients with diseases that weaken the esophageal muscles (see below), such as scleroderma or mixed connective tissue diseases, are more prone to develop GERD.

    

People never seem to take the problems of acid reflux seriously. They tend to put it down to gas in the stomach and swallow some antacid and hope that it will help.
During pregnancy some women have a vary major problem with this. They are unable to eat anything due to nausea, and later the acid reflux does not let them digest their food correctly. It is only then that they realise how big a problem acid reflux really is

I have thankfully only had this issue during pregnancy. I have had it will all of my pregnancies but with this last one it seems to be worse than in the previous two. I have noticed that certain foods seem to make it worse but they are not foods that I thought would bother it. One is cereal such as Honey bunches of oats or frosted shredded wheat, but I can eat something like cheerios or a sugary ceral like Fruitloops with no problem. Not sure what the connection is but would love to know.

I live with this problem.If I could I would go to the doctor.

I have to take not only tums,but stomach pills and soda water.Even that does not help all the time.Even water 'hurts' my stomach.

I know my adopted dad had to finally go have surgery to fix his problem with it.
I do know alot of people who suffer with this.

My husband has a chronic reflux prob. I do think it could be genetic, since his dad had the same problem, before being diagnosed with cancer of the oespophagus. I've found that dietary changes make a differnce. he doesnt eat oily or spicy food, processed foods with white flour or heavy meals. He does drink alcohol however, he tries to limit it to 2-3 drinks and waters them down considerably. Exercise and keeping off belly fat also helps.

definatly alcohol is bad in these cases..must consult some specialist...but i think alcohol is not good

I've had acid reflux that I have ignored eversince. I thought it was just a regular gas pain. But then it has caused me to have laryngitis. Acid goes up to my esophagus making it swell. Now, I am taking medications to neutralize acid in my stomach.

I lived with this for over 20 years mostly in my heavy drinking time, irregular meals but mostly drinking till 2 am and eating same time "Japanese corporate style" Then when I moved to Dubai, drinks (alcohol) was not though available at hotel bars, was not so in my face and drunk less, a lot less. Mysteriously my acid began to disappear and though it was because of the hot weather in Dubai. Then after years returned back to Canada and because I missed my CC (Canadian Club) I started again with late night drinks and eating late at night. The gas came back and when I started to overuse anti acid pills (which contains lots of calcium) I had a to call 911 and ended up in the ER. I now drink with moderation, do not eat late or just have some fruits no later then 8 PM and seam to be doing great with no pain and no acid reflux. Not drinking and eating late at night seam to work for me.

This is my problem too during the first trimester of my pregnancy. And what bothers me is that it is usually caused by eating apples. Why is that? This is why, I can't seem to consider apple nowadays as a healthy snack.

The very best for acid reflux is calmicid ac, it is natural so it should be safe even during pregnancy