Understanding Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is the most common gastrointestinal complaint patients see their family physician for. It is often referred to as heartburn and described as a painful or burning sensation located in the upper abdomen or behind the breast bone. It is caused by the spilling of the stomach contents back up into the esophagus. A small amount of spilling of stomach contents happens in all individuals, especially after meals. Only when symptoms become frequent or persistent and complications begin to occur is it a problem. Acid reflux experienced twice weekly or more on a regular basis is considered Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

When the esophagus is exposed to acidic stomach contents repeatedly and for long periods of time inflammation of the esophagus can occur (reflux esophagitis) and may progress to erosion (erosive esophagitis) or esophageal strictures, causing intense pain and difficulty swallowing. Acid reflux has nothing to do with the heart, but is commonly called heartburn because of the location of the pain, just below the breastbone and because the pain can mimic a heart attack, sometimes radiating up into the neck, throat or jaw.