What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is a fairly common digestive problem. It occurs when stomach content moves back into the esophagus, leading to a burning sensation in the chest. This is why acid reflux is commonly called heartburn. Other names for acid reflux are : Acid regurgitation , Acid indigestion , Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
Most people experience acid reflux only occasionally. Studies in people with acid reflux symptoms and GERD have identified common markers in our DNA associated with acid reflux.See your doctor if you find yourself using an acid reflux OTC treatment more than twice a week. Your doctor might want to test you for GERD.It is estimated that more than 50% experience acid reflux once a month. However, some people have acid reflux more than twice a week. This chronic form of acid reflux is called Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is more serious and can lead to serious health problems if not treated. Symptoms of GERD occur more than twice a week and include:
- A burning sensation in the chest
- Regurgitation
- Trouble swallowing
- A feeling of excessive fullness