Gastroesophageal reflux disease or (GERD) as it’s commonly called, is a condition where the esophagus becomes irritated or inflamed because of acid backing up from the stomach. GERD affects nearly one third of the adult population of the United States at least once a month. Almost 10% of adults experience GERD weekly or daily. Believe it or not, infants and children can have GERD too.

The Esophagus

The esophagus is the tube stretching from the throat to the stomach. When food is swallowed, it travels down the esophagus.

What actually happens?

After you eat, your body (actually your stomach) produces its own “stomach acid” called hydrochloric acid to help digest the food your just ate.  Your stomach is actually set up to coexist with this acid as a natural occurrence.  However the lining of your esophagus is not set up to coexist with this acid.  When stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, it not only causes discomfort, but can cause damage. 

Before you started having symptoms of GERD there was ring of muscle at the bottom of your esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter.  When working properly this prevented acid from traveling up your esophagus.  When you swallow, the sphincter relaxes and lets food enter your stomach and “closes” once you're done eating. 

In someone that has GERD, the sphincter relaxes before and after you swallow.  When this happens, stomach acid travels upwards delivering discomfort and pain.