Most of us experience heartburn on occasion, but those who suffer from chronic heartburn may have much more serious disease known as acid reflux disease or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). It is a condition that has become much more common with an increasing number of people showing up in their doctor's office being diagnosed with it. Acid reflux is just what it sounds like, the digestive acids in the stomach reflux, or flow back into, the esophagus causing discomfort, pain and damage to the esophageal membranes.

The first symptom most adults suffer from GERD is simply heartburn. It normally feels like a burning sensation or pressure beneath or behind the heart. As acid reflux progresses the symptoms can progress to a bitter taste in the back of the throat, pain or burning in the throat, and problems swallowing. If for any reason you think you have acid reflux or are experiencing the chest pain, which could be signs of heart disease, associated with it it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Acid reflux disease, if left untreated, can cause life altering and eventually life threatening problems. The gastric acids can damage the lining of the esophagus causing inflammation known as esophagitis. It can also damage the larynx causing voice problems and hoarseness, chronic cough, choking, and post meal nausea and vomiting.

As the lower portion of the esophagus becomes increasingly damaged by stomach acid Barrett's esophagus will begin to develop. This is a condition in which the cellular structure of the esophagus begins to change and is considered a pre-malignant condition that increases the risk of esophageal cancer development.

The cause of acid reflux may not be what you think it is. Many people believe that their symptoms are caused by the overproduction of stomach acids, and while this does play a role the actual reason the acid is able to regurgitate back up into the esophagus is the failure one or combination of three components of the esophagus; the anti-reflux barrier (ARB), the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and the gastroesophageal valve (GEV). These three barriers function is to keep stomach acids from refluxing back up into the throat and when they are weakened or fail they are no longer able to prevent this from happening.

The treatment of acid reflux disease consists of several options, or a combination of treatments. One of the first things patients are asked to do is change their diet and avoid those foods that set off the production of excess acid. This may involve keeping a food log for several weeks that will help identify foods that make the condition worse. There are also a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications available that help control acid production. Your doctor is the best source of information when it comes to choosing the correct medications for this disease. In extreme cases surgery can be performed to fix the problem.

If you think you have acid reflux disease it is important that you speak with your doctor so that you can get the proper treatment. What may be mildly annoying symptoms today could turn into something much more serious without the proper diagnosis and treatment.